Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “It doesn’t matter” in German, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, offering tips, examples, and even regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in and explore the various ways to convey this sentiment in the German language.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “It Doesn’t Matter”
When speaking in a formal setting or with individuals you are not familiar with, it is essential to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some formal phrases in German that convey the meaning of “It doesn’t matter”:
- Es spielt keine Rolle. – This translates directly to “It doesn’t play a role.” It’s a formal and common way to express that something doesn’t matter.
- Es ist egal. – Interchangeable with the previous phrase, “It is the same” or “It is indifferent.” This expression is widely used in polite conversations.
- Das ist unwichtig. – Translated as “That is unimportant,” this phrase can be used to convey that a particular matter doesn’t carry significance.
Informal Ways to Say “It Doesn’t Matter”
If you’re among friends or in casual situations, you have more flexibility in your choice of words. Here are a few informal phrases to express “It doesn’t matter” in German:
- Es macht nichts. – This is a popular informal phrase that directly translates to “It doesn’t make anything.” It is widely used in everyday conversations.
- Egal. – A handy single-word response that has a similar meaning to “Whatever.” It is commonly used among friends, especially among younger generations.
- Es ist nicht wichtig. – Translating to “It is not important,” this phrase is suitable for informal settings where there is a need to downplay the significance of a matter.
Tips and Examples
To help you better understand the nuances and context of these phrases, here are some tips and examples:
Tipp: Pay attention to the intonation and body language when using these expressions. Non-verbal cues can enhance your message.
Example 1: Imagine a situation where your friend asks which movie you would like to watch. You can reply:
Freund: Welchen Film möchtest du sehen? (Which movie do you want to watch?)
Du: Es ist egal. (It doesn’t matter.)
Example 2: Suppose you’re discussing where to have dinner with your colleagues. You might say:
Kollege: Wo sollen wir zum Abendessen hingehen? (Where should we go for dinner?)
Du: Es spielt keine Rolle. (It doesn’t matter.)
Example 3: If a friend is fretting over a cancelled plan, you can provide reassurance:
Freund: Ich bin so enttäuscht, dass unser Ausflug abgesagt wurde. (I am so disappointed that our trip got canceled.)
Du: Es macht nichts. Wir können es ein anderes Mal versuchen. (It doesn’t matter. We can try it another time.)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and some variations in dialect and phrasing exist. While it is crucial to be aware of these differences, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across the German-speaking regions. However, here is an example of a regional variation:
Bavarian German: In Bavaria, you might encounter the phrase “Is doch wurscht,” which translates to “It’s sausage anyway.” While not as common as the previously mentioned phrases, it demonstrates the distinct Bavarian dialect.
Remember, these regional variations are generally not necessary for everyday conversations, but it’s always valuable to be aware of them for cultural appreciation and understanding.
And there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to say “It doesn’t matter” in German. We’ve covered formal and informal ways to express this sentiment, provided useful tips, examples, and even explored a regional variation. Now, armed with these phrases, you can confidently navigate both formal and informal German conversations while gracefully expressing that something doesn’t matter. Viel Glück (Good luck) on your language learning journey!
