Novel phenylcyclohexanes of the formula I in which n is 0 to 7, Q1 and Q2 are H, or one of these radicals is alternatively CH3, r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, A is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or a single bond, X is F, Cl, —CF3, —CN, —OCF3 or —OCHF2, and Y and Z are each, independently of one another, H or F, with the proviso that, in the case where A is a single bond, Q1═Q2═H and simultaneously X═CN, Y and/or Z are F.