Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| es spielt keine Rolle | |
| es macht nichts | /ɛs maχt nɪx(t)s/ (stressed, word by word) |
| es ist egal | |
| macht nichts | [ˈmaxt ˌnɪçts] (narrow) |
| das macht nichts | [das ˈmaxt ˌnɪçts] (narrow) |
Depending on the context, these phrases express either indifference or a lack of consequence. Use es ist egal to express that something is all the same or that you are indifferent. In certain contexts, saying Es ist egal as a standalone sentence can sound dismissive or even rude, similar to saying "whatever" in English. If you want to tell someone not to worry or to respond to an apology, use macht nichts or das macht nichts to mean "no harm done."
What does it mean word for word?
The word egal literally means "equal" or "indifferent," which is why es ist egal translates to "it is all the same."
Which one should you use?
Es spielt keine Rolle emphasizes that a specific factor has no influence on an outcome. Es ist egal is the most common way to express indifference in everyday conversation. Macht nichts and das macht nichts are specifically used as responses to apologies to mean "don't worry about it."
Did you know?
- The word Rolle in es spielt keine Rolle shares a common ancestor with the Latin word 'rotulus', meaning a small wheel.
- While es ist egal is common, using it in a professional setting to a superior can be perceived as a lack of commitment or respect.
- Although es spielt keine Rolle translates to 'it plays no role', German uses the verb 'spielen' (to play) to describe influence in a way English typically does not.
Examples in context
- Es ist egal, was ich denke.It doesn't matter what I think.This sentence shows how to use es ist egal to express indifference regarding a thought.Tatoeba #5331771 by bonny37, translation #2396234 by CK
- Es ist egal, wann du kommst.It doesn't matter when you come.This sentence shows how to use es ist egal to express indifference regarding time.Tatoeba #876448 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #65959 by CK
- Es ist egal, wer schuld ist.It doesn't matter whose fault it is.This sentence shows how to use es ist egal to express indifference regarding blame.Tatoeba #11091172 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4638692 by Hybrid
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- MaximilianSpielen wir lieber Fußball oder Tennis?Should we rather play football or tennis?
- SarahFür mich ist es egal.It doesn't matter to me.
- MaximilianEs spielt keine Rolle, was wir machen.It doesn't matter what we do.
- SarahDann entscheiden wir es später.Then we will decide later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “it doesn't matter” translations and entries macht nichts, das macht nichts, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (es, Macht, nichts) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rolle, egal, es, macht nichts, nichts, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
