01
der TV
TV
Short for television; refers to the television set as a physical object.
example
Wir haben uns einen neuen TV mit einem größeren Bildschirm gekauft.
We bought a new TV with a bigger screen.
der TV
TV
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Abbreviation
'TV' is a widely used abbreviation for the word 'Television'. It is used both for the device and for the program.
EXAMPLE
Der neue TV hat eine tolle Bildqualität.
The new TV has great picture quality.
Register
The abbreviation 'TV' is very common and is frequently used in everyday and colloquial language. It is neutral and can be used in most informal and semi-formal situations.
EXAMPLE
Hast du Lust, heute Abend zusammen TV zu gucken?
Do you feel like watching TV together tonight?
Context clue
The preposition often helps you recognize the meaning. If someone is sitting 'vor dem TV' (in front of the TV), the device is meant. If a show is running 'im TV' (on TV), the program is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder saßen den ganzen Nachmittag vor dem TV.
The children sat in front of the TV all afternoon.
Typical expressions
When referring to the program, the expressions 'im TV laufen' (to be on TV), 'im TV kommen' (to come on TV), or 'etwas im TV sehen' (to see something on TV) are very typical.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Nachrichten gestern nicht im TV gesehen.
I didn't see the news on TV yesterday.
Compare with
TV vs Fernseher
television
'der TV' and 'der Fernseher' can both mean the device you watch television on. 'der Fernseher' is the normal, clear everyday word. 'der TV' is a short form and often sounds a bit more modern or advertising-like, for example when buying a device. The words can be confused because they are almost the same in this meaning. The important point is simply: 'TV' can also mean the medium or the program, while 'Fernseher' always means the device.
TV
Er hat heute einen neuen TV für das Wohnzimmer gekauft.
He bought a new TV for the living room today.
Fernseher
Der Fernseher bleibt heute Abend aus, weil wir lesen wollen.
The TV will stay off this evening because we want to read.
In real life
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