Signification
Being important or significant.
Contexte culturel
In Danish workplaces, the phrase is often used to encourage participation. Managers might say 'Alle skal spille en aktiv rolle,' reflecting the flat hierarchy where everyone's input is valued. The concept of 'Fællesskab' (community) means that social roles are often discussed in terms of how they benefit the group rather than the individual. The phrase is a nod to Denmark's rich theatrical history, particularly the Royal Danish Theatre, which has influenced Danish idioms for centuries. In the context of Denmark's high level of digitalization, you'll often hear that 'NemID' or 'MitID' (digital IDs) 'spiller en central rolle' in daily life.
The 'Ingen' Trick
Use 'Det spiller ingen rolle' instead of 'Det er ikke vigtigt' to sound more like a native speaker when dismissing something.
Spille vs. Lege
Never say 'lege en rolle' unless you are talking about a child pretending to be a superhero. For everything else, use 'spille'.
Signification
Being important or significant.
The 'Ingen' Trick
Use 'Det spiller ingen rolle' instead of 'Det er ikke vigtigt' to sound more like a native speaker when dismissing something.
Spille vs. Lege
Never say 'lege en rolle' unless you are talking about a child pretending to be a superhero. For everything else, use 'spille'.
Workplace Humility
When praised for a success, a common Danish response is 'Vi spillede alle en rolle,' which deflects individual praise toward the team.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the present tense.
Min familie _______ en stor rolle i mit liv.
We use 'spiller' because it's a role, not a child's game ('leger').
Which sentence means 'It doesn't matter'?
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
The fixed expression for 'it doesn't matter' uses 'ingen' and 'spiller'.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match parrene:
These are common variations of the main phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Hvorfor er du så glad for dit arbejde? B: Fordi jeg føler, at jeg _______ en vigtig _______.
The person feels they play an important role at work.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Det spiller ingen rolle'?
Vælg den rigtige situation:
'Det spiller ingen rolle' means the difference is not important.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Spille vs. Lege
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesMin familie _______ en stor rolle i mit liv.
We use 'spiller' because it's a role, not a child's game ('leger').
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
The fixed expression for 'it doesn't matter' uses 'ingen' and 'spiller'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common variations of the main phrase.
A: Hvorfor er du så glad for dit arbejde? B: Fordi jeg føler, at jeg _______ en vigtig _______.
The person feels they play an important role at work.
Vælg den rigtige situation:
'Det spiller ingen rolle' means the difference is not important.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, 'at spille' is used for instruments, but you don't use 'en rolle' there. You just say 'Jeg spiller klaver' (I play piano).
No, it is generally neutral. However, like 'It doesn't matter,' your tone of voice determines if it sounds dismissive or helpful.
'En rolle' is your function or importance, while 'en opgave' is a specific task you have to do.
It is better to say 'udgøre en stor del' (constitute a large part) or 'spille en stor rolle'.
Yes, very often! 'Dommeren spillede en stor rolle i kampen' (The referee played a big role in the match).
Absolutely. 'Dårligt vejr spillede en rolle for ulykken' (Bad weather played a role in the accident).
That is 'hovedrollen'. Example: 'Hvem spiller hovedrollen?'
Yes, 'at spille forskellige roller' (to play different roles).
Not always, but it's very common. Saying 'Det spiller en rolle' alone just means 'It matters.'
Yes! 'Hvidløg spiller en stor rolle i denne ret' (Garlic plays a big role in this dish).
'At spille en lille rolle' or 'at spille ingen rolle'.
It is neutral. It works in a PhD thesis and in a bar.
Yes, 'for' is the most common preposition to use with this phrase.
Yes, they share the same etymological root of a parchment roll.
Expressions liées
At have betydning
synonymTo have significance
At spille ind
similarTo factor in
At gøre en forskel
builds onTo make a difference
At lade som om
contrastTo pretend
At have en finger med i spillet
specialized formTo have a hand in something
