In German

Fernseher

Meaning: television (the set)

Example sentences

DerFernseheristkaputt.
The television is broken.
WirschauenabendsFernseher.
We watch television in the evenings.
DerneueFernseheristsehrgroß.
The new television is very big.

Grammar note

“Der Fernseher” is masculine and names the device (the TV set). The plural is “die Fernseher”. For television as a medium or industry, Germans say “das Fernsehen” instead.

Common mistake

Don't mix up “der Fernseher” (the TV set) with “das Fernsehen” (TV as a medium) — same root, different word and gender, like “a phone” versus “telephony”.

Quick check

Which German word means “television” (the device)?

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Frequently asked questions

Is “Fernseher” masculine, feminine or neuter?

Masculine: “der Fernseher”.

What's the word for television as a medium?

“Das Fernsehen” — different from “der Fernseher”, the device.