German Phrase
Du kannst es dir auch im Fernsehen anschauen.
Meaning
This phrase means that something is available to be watched on television, in addition to other possible viewing methods. The 'dir' is a dative reflexive pronoun, indicating that the action of watching is for your own benefit or interest. 'Auch' emphasizes that this is an additional option.
When to use
Use this phrase when suggesting to someone that a particular show, movie, or event is broadcast on television, especially if they might be looking for other ways to watch it (e.g., online, in person). It's a common way to inform someone about TV programming.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DukannstesdirauchimFernsehenanschauen.
Können (kannst)
'Können' is a modal verb meaning 'can' or 'to be able to'. It conjugates irregularly, and 'kannst' is the form for 'du' (you, singular informal). Modal verbs always send the main verb to the end of the sentence.
Dir (dative reflexive pronoun)
'Dir' is the dative form of the reflexive pronoun 'sich' for 'du'. Many verbs in German, especially those involving personal interest or benefit, require a reflexive pronoun. Here, it emphasizes that you are watching it for yourself.
Auch
'Auch' means 'also' or 'too'. It indicates that the option of watching on TV is an additional possibility among others.
Im Fernsehen
'Im Fernsehen' is a contraction of 'in dem Fernsehen', meaning 'on television'. 'In' is a two-way preposition here, taking dative because it describes a static location ('where?').
Anschauen (separable verb)
'Anschauen' is a separable verb meaning 'to watch' or 'to look at'. In main clauses, the prefix 'an-' separates from the verb stem 'schauen' and moves to the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Ich weiß nicht, wo ich den Film sehen kann.
I don't know where I can watch the movie.
Du kannst es dir auch im Fernsehen anschauen.
You can also watch it on TV.
✕Common Mistakes
Du kannst es auch im Fernsehen sehen.
While 'sehen' means 'to see', 'anschauen' or 'ansehen' are more commonly used for 'to watch' something like a TV program. 'Sehen' often implies a more passive act of seeing.
Du kannst es auch im Fernsehen anschauen.
Omitting the dative reflexive pronoun 'dir' is a common mistake. 'Anschauen' often takes a dative reflexive pronoun when referring to watching something for one's own enjoyment or interest.
Du kannst es dir auch auf dem Fernsehen anschauen.
The correct preposition for 'on TV' in German is 'im Fernsehen' (in dem Fernsehen), not 'auf dem Fernsehen'.
↔Alternatives
Es läuft auch im Fernsehen.
It's also on TV.
Du kannst es dir im Fernsehen ansehen.
You can watch it on TV.
Es wird auch im Fernsehen gezeigt.
It is also shown on TV.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, public broadcasters (ARD, ZDF) play a significant role alongside private channels. Many Germans still rely on traditional television for news, sports, and entertainment, although streaming services are increasingly popular. Suggesting something is 'im Fernsehen' is a very common and understood way to refer to its broadcast availability.