Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fernseher | /ˈfɛʁnzeːɐ/ /ˈfɛɐ̯nzeːɐ/ |
masculine |
| Fernsehgerät | /ˈfɛʁnzeːɡəˌʁɛːt/ /-ɡəˌʁeːt/ |
neuter |
| Fernsehapparat | /ˈfɛʁnzeːapaˈʁaːt/ | masculine |
| Glotze | /ˈɡlɔtsə/ | feminine, informal |
The terms for television in German refer specifically to the physical device used for receiving signals. To express the act of watching television or the medium itself, use the related verbs fernsehen or fernschauen. Note that fernsehen is a separable verb, meaning the prefix fern moves to the end of a main clause, such as in Ich sehe fern.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Fernseher is a compound of fern, meaning far and sehen, meaning to see.
Which one should you use?
While Fernseher refers to the physical device, Fernsehen refers to the medium of television or the act of watching it.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Fernsehgerät is the term used in formal German. In informal or colloquial speech, you might hear the word Glotze, which is equivalent to calling it 'the boob tube'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Fernseher is a masculine noun. Its plural form remains Fernseher in both the nominative and accusative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɛʁnzeːɐ/
When do people say it?
The informal term Glotze is derived from the verb glotzen, which means to stare or gaze.
Did you know?
- The term Fernsehapparat was more common in the early days of the medium, reflecting a time when the device was viewed as a complex scientific apparatus.
- If you call a television a Glotze, you are technically calling it a 'staring eye' or a 'gaze', because it comes from the verb glotzen, which means to stare at something in an unrefined or mindless way.
- The plural form of Fernseher does not change its spelling, meaning you must rely entirely on the article or context to know if you are talking about one or many.
Examples in context
- Mach den Fernseher aus!Turn off the television.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to turn off the Fernseher.Tatoeba #12110537 by Vortarulo, translation #9432814 by CK
- Der Fernseher geht nicht.The television doesn't work.This sentence shows how to say the Fernseher is not working.Tatoeba #503604 by Espi, translation #39262 by CK
- Wir haben zwei Fernseher.We have two television sets.This sentence demonstrates the use of Fernseher in the plural.Tatoeba #1467454 by Esperantostern, translation #24247 by CK
- Bitte schalten Sie das Fernsehgerät aus.Please turn off the television.
- Kannst du bitte den Fernseher ausschalten?Can you please turn off the television?
- Ich schaue gern Fernsehsendungen am Abend.I enjoy watching TV shows in the evening.
- Kannst du bitte den Fernseher lauter machen?Can you please turn up the volume on the TV?
- Heute Abend gibt es eine interessante Sendung im Fernsehen.There is an interesting show on TV tonight.
- Wo ist die Fernbedienung? Ich möchte den Kanal wechseln.Where is the remote control? I want to change the channel.
- 135 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are in their living room.
- FelixIst der neue Fernseher schon da?Is the new television already here?
- SarahJa, er steht im Wohnzimmer.Yes, it is in the living room.
- FelixKönnen wir ihn heute Abend einschalten?Can we turn it on tonight?
- SarahKlar, ich freue mich schon darauf.Sure, I am already looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “television” translations and entries Fernseher, Fernsehgerät, Fernsehapparat, Glotze, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fernsehapparat, Fernseher, Fernsehgerät, Glotze, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
