Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition that can satisfy at least one of properties such as a high upper limit temperature of a nematic phase, a low lower limit temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a proper optical anisotropy, a negatively high dielectric anisotropy, a high specific resistance, a high stability against ultraviolet light, and a high stability against heat, or has a proper balance between at least two of the above properties. The liquid crystal composition comprises a first component of a dicyclic compound which has a negatively high dielectric anisotropy and contains fluorines at least three of lateral positions, a second component of a specific compound having a low viscosity, and a third component of a specific compound having a negatively high dielectric anisotropy and contains a negatively dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal display element comprises the composition.