Jan,
Generally, you would use a cable that contains 3 sets of wires. One set has a yellow connector - that is video. The other two sets are red and white - those are left and right audio.
On the DVD player, there are outputs. They are marked video, left audio and right audio.
On the TV, there are inputs. Look for ones with round connectors that are color coded yellow, red and white. Sometimes marked Video Input 1.
If you do not have the cables needed, print this reply out and take it to the store and show it to the clerk in the electronics area.
Jim