German word

Fernsehen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɛɐ̯nˌzeːən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounwatching TV

Example

Das Fernsehen entspannt mich nach der Arbeit.

Watching TV relaxes me after work.

Illustration for Fernsehen (watching TV)

More examples

Am Sonntagvormittag läuft oft ein Zeichentrickfilm im Fernsehen.

On Sunday morning, an animated film is often broadcast on television.

Core concept

An evening scene centered on the screen, the broadcast, and the act of watching it.

Common phrases

  • Fernsehen gucken

    watch TV

  • im Fernsehen laufen

    be broadcast on television

Similar words

Fernseher: The physical television set used for watching programs.
Sendung: A single program broadcast on television.
Programm: A schedule listing the television programs to be broadcast.
TV: An abbreviation for television as a medium or device.

Definition in German

Das Fernsehen bezeichnet das Anschauen von Fernsehsendungen auf einem Bildschirm.

Word origin

Fernsehen is a German compound of fern, 'far' or 'distant', and sehen, 'to see', later used as a noun for the television medium and its use.

Usage tips

  • For the physical television set, German normally uses der Fernseher, whereas das Fernsehen refers to television viewing or broadcasting.

Other meanings

  • television broadcastingnoun

Opposites

  • Lesenreadingnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word