A liquid crystal composition is described, satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. An AM LCD device including the liquid crystal composition is also described. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase and contains a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may also contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a large dielectric anisotropy as a third component.