der Fernseher
television / TV
An electronic device with a screen that is used to receive and play television programs; a TV set.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns einen neuen, größeren Fernseher gekauft.
We bought ourselves a new, bigger television.
der Fernseher
television
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Fernseher' is composed of 'fern' (far away) and 'sehen' (to see). The ending '-er' here refers to the device that makes the action possible. So a 'Fernseher' is literally a 'far-seer'.
EXAMPLE
Früher waren Fernseher große, schwere Kisten.
In the past, televisions were big, heavy boxes.
Usage note
The word 'der Fernseher' always refers to the physical device. The activity of watching TV is expressed with the verb 'fernsehen' (to watch TV).
EXAMPLE
Der Fernseher ist kaputt, deshalb können wir heute Abend nicht fernsehen.
The television is broken, so we can't watch TV tonight.
Typical verbs
Common verbs related to the device are 'den Fernseher einschalten' (to turn on the television), 'ausschalten' (to turn it off), or 'umschalten' (to change channels). 'Vor dem Fernseher sitzen' (to sit in front of the television) is also a very typical phrase.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Fernseher etwas leiser machen?
Can you please turn the television down a bit?
Compare with
Fernseher vs Bildschirm
screen
Der Fernseher is the complete device used to receive and display television programs. Der Bildschirm is only the illuminated surface on which the picture appears. Fernseher is appropriate when there is a problem with the entire device, while Bildschirm is used when the display itself is damaged.
Fernseher
Der Fernseher ist kaputt und empfängt keine Programme mehr.
The TV is broken and no longer receives any channels.
Bildschirm
Der Bildschirm des Fernsehers ist gesprungen, aber der Ton funktioniert noch.
The TV screen is cracked, but the sound still works.
In real life
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