What does it mean word for word?
The verb fernsehen is a compound of the word fern, meaning far or distant and sehen, meaning to see.
Which one should you use?
The verb fernsehen refers to the action of watching television, whereas the capitalized noun Fernsehen refers to the activity of watching television or the medium itself. Additionally, while fernsehen is the standard verb, the phrase TV gucken is a common informal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fernsehen is the standard way to express this action. In informal settings, you might hear the phrase Ich gucke fern, or the even more casual TV gucken.
How does it change in a sentence?
fernsehen is a separable verb, which means the prefix fern- moves to the end of the sentence in many simple present tense constructions. For example, in the third person singular present tense, the verb becomes sieht fern. To form the perfect tense (has watched TV), use the auxiliary verb haben and the past participle ferngesehen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɛʁnˌzeː.ən/
Did you know?
- The word Fernsehen shares its root fern with Fernweh, a word for the longing to travel to distant places.
- While fernsehen is used everywhere, people in Northern and Western Germany often use gucken for 'watch', whereas those in the South and Austria prefer schauen.
- A German 'TV addict' is sometimes jokingly called a Fernsehgucker, turning the verb into a noun to label the person.
Examples in context
- Wo guckst du Fernsehen?Where do you watch TV?This sentence is useful for asking where someone watches TV using the form fernsehen.Tatoeba #936580 by Espi, translation #8356507 by Ergulis
- Ich mag nicht Fernsehen.I don't like to watch tv.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for watching TV using the form fernsehen.Tatoeba #1587346 by Esperantostern, translation #1568730 by Sharaf78
- Ich gucke nie Fernsehen.I never watch TV.This sentence is useful for stating that someone never watches TV using the form fernsehen.Tatoeba #4707069 by Manfredo, translation #6532408 by CK
- Was machen Sie gerade? / Ich sehe fern.What are you doing right now? / I'm watching TV.
- Was machst du heute Abend? / Ich gucke fern.What are you doing tonight? / I'm watching TV.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to do on a Friday evening.
- LauraWollen wir heute Abend fernsehen?Do we want to watch TV tonight?
- JulianJa, ich möchte gerne fernsehen.Yes, I would like to watch TV.
- LauraSoll ich einen Film suchen?Should I look for a movie?
- JulianDas wäre toll, Laura.That would be great, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fernsehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
