Signification
Forgiving a mistake.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value 'lavmælthet' (being soft-spoken) and avoiding drama. Saying 'Det gjør ingenting' helps keep the social atmosphere 'koselig' (cozy) and prevents awkwardness. In Denmark, the equivalent is 'Det gør ikke noget.' It is used with the same frequency and for the same purpose of maintaining 'hygge'. Swedes say 'Det gör ingenting.' The cultural concept of 'Lagom' (just right/moderation) means that making a big deal out of a small mistake is seen as 'un-Lagom'. While English speakers say 'No problem' or 'It's okay,' the Norwegian 'Det gjør ingenting' is often used even more frequently to avoid any sense of social debt or 'debt of gratitude'.
The Smile Factor
Always pair this phrase with a small smile or a nod. It reinforces the 'no worries' sentiment.
Don't over-apologize
If someone says 'Det gjør ingenting' to you, stop apologizing! Continuing to say sorry can actually make Norwegians feel uncomfortable.
Signification
Forgiving a mistake.
The Smile Factor
Always pair this phrase with a small smile or a nod. It reinforces the 'no worries' sentiment.
Don't over-apologize
If someone says 'Det gjør ingenting' to you, stop apologizing! Continuing to say sorry can actually make Norwegians feel uncomfortable.
Add 'for meg'
Adding 'for meg' (for me) makes you sound very natural when expressing a lack of preference between two choices.
The 'Null Stress' Alternative
If you are with people under 30, you can use 'Null stress' for a more modern, cool vibe.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Unnskyld at jeg glemte boken din! B: _________
When someone apologizes for forgetting something, 'Det gjør ingenting' is the most natural response.
Which sentence means 'It didn't matter'?
Choose the past tense version:
'Gjorde' is the past tense of 'gjør'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone says 'Takk for maten!' (Thanks for the food). Should you say 'Det gjør ingenting'?
You should say 'Velbekomme' or 'Bare hyggelig' after thanks. 'Det gjør ingenting' is for apologies.
Fill in the missing word.
Det ____ ingenting.
The verb 'å gjøre' (to do) is the only one used in this specific idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Forgiveness vs. Gratitude
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: Unnskyld at jeg glemte boken din! B: _________
When someone apologizes for forgetting something, 'Det gjør ingenting' is the most natural response.
Choose the past tense version:
'Gjorde' is the past tense of 'gjør'.
Someone says 'Takk for maten!' (Thanks for the food). Should you say 'Det gjør ingenting'?
You should say 'Velbekomme' or 'Bare hyggelig' after thanks. 'Det gjør ingenting' is for apologies.
Det ____ ingenting.
The verb 'å gjøre' (to do) is the only one used in this specific idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that would just mean 'Nothing' and would sound very confusing as a response to an apology.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for professional settings when the mistake is minor.
'Det gjør ingenting' is specifically for forgiving an action. 'Det går bra' is more general and can mean 'everything is fine'.
You say 'Det gjør ingenting for meg.'
It is neutral. You can use it in almost any situation.
It's better not to. If you say it while looking angry, it sounds sarcastic.
In Norwegian, the 't' in the word 'det' is almost always silent when it's a pronoun.
No, that is a common mistake. Use 'Bare hyggelig' instead.
In very casual speech, people sometimes just say 'Gjør ingenting.'
No, for big mistakes it sounds too dismissive. Use something more serious like 'Jeg forstår.'
Expressions liées
Det går bra
synonymIt's going well / It's okay
Ingen årsak
similarNo cause (for thanks/apology)
Bare hyggelig
contrastOnly pleasant / You're welcome
Ingen fare
similarNo danger
Det gjør ikke noe
synonymIt doesn't do anything
