Signification
Stating that something is unimportant.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'fika' culture. When someone offers a variety of cookies, saying 'det spelar ingen roll' shows you are a polite and easy guest. In Finland-Swedish, the phrase is used identically, but you might also hear 'det gör ingenting' more frequently in similar contexts. In Swedish meetings, this phrase is used to move past minor details and reach a consensus quickly, reflecting the 'flat hierarchy' model. Younger Swedes might shorten it to just 'spela roll' with a specific rising intonation to sound more casual or even slightly rebellious.
The 'I'm Easy' phrase
Think of this as the Swedish equivalent of 'I'm easy' or 'Whatever works for you'.
Don't be too indifferent
Using this too much in a relationship might make you seem like you don't care about your partner's interests!
Signification
Stating that something is unimportant.
The 'I'm Easy' phrase
Think of this as the Swedish equivalent of 'I'm easy' or 'Whatever works for you'.
Don't be too indifferent
Using this too much in a relationship might make you seem like you don't care about your partner's interests!
Add 'för mig'
Adding 'för mig' (for me) at the end makes the phrase sound slightly more personal and polite.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Det ______ ingen roll.
In Swedish, we always use the verb 'spela' (to play) with 'roll'.
Which response is the most natural way to say 'It doesn't matter'?
Vill du sitta här eller där?
This is the standard, grammatically correct expression.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Förlåt att jag glömde din bok! B: ________, jag behöver den inte idag.
This is used to reassure someone that their mistake is not a problem.
Match the situation to the best use of 'Det spelar ingen roll'.
You are choosing between two identical-looking buses that both go to your destination.
This correctly expresses that the choice between the two buses is unimportant.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDet ______ ingen roll.
In Swedish, we always use the verb 'spela' (to play) with 'roll'.
Vill du sitta här eller där?
This is the standard, grammatically correct expression.
A: Förlåt att jag glömde din bok! B: ________, jag behöver den inte idag.
This is used to reassure someone that their mistake is not a problem.
You are choosing between two identical-looking buses that both go to your destination.
This correctly expresses that the choice between the two buses is unimportant.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, in informal speech, Swedes often drop the 'Det'. However, 'Spelar roll!' on its own can sometimes sound sarcastic, like 'As if that matters!'
It is always 'ingen roll' because 'roll' is a common gender (en) noun.
'Det kvittar' is slightly more casual. You'll hear 'det spelar ingen roll' more in professional or neutral settings.
Yes, absolutely. It's the most common way to say that something is unimportant.
Expressions liées
Det kvittar
synonymIt's all the same / It doesn't matter.
Det gör detsamma
synonymIt's all the same.
Det spelar roll
contrastIt DOES matter.
Samma här
similarSame here.
