Signification
Something that is not important at all.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a key part of 'pyt'-culture. In Denmark, being able to let go of small frustrations is considered a sign of emotional maturity and social skill. Danish workplaces are flat and informal. Using this phrase with a manager shows that you are focused on productivity rather than hierarchy or blame. The Law of Jante influences this phrase by encouraging people not to make their own problems seem more important than they are. In Greenlandic Danish, the phrase is also used, but social interactions may rely more on non-verbal cues (like raising eyebrows) to signal that something is okay.
The 'Pyt' Combo
Combine it with 'pyt' for maximum native-level fluency: 'Pyt, det er bare en bagatel!'
Don't be Sarcastic
If you say it with a flat tone while rolling your eyes, it sounds like you actually think the person is being annoying.
Signification
Something that is not important at all.
The 'Pyt' Combo
Combine it with 'pyt' for maximum native-level fluency: 'Pyt, det er bare en bagatel!'
Don't be Sarcastic
If you say it with a flat tone while rolling your eyes, it sounds like you actually think the person is being annoying.
The Gift of Ease
Danes view dismissing a mistake as a 'bagatel' as a gift of social ease to the other person.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Du skal ikke undskylde, det er bare en ______.
We use the indefinite singular form 'bagatel' after 'en'.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'det er bare en bagatel'?
Choose the best context:
The phrase is only for minor, insignificant events.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Jeg kom til at spilde en dråbe vand på dit bord!' B: '_________________'
This is the most natural and polite way to respond to a tiny accident.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDu skal ikke undskylde, det er bare en ______.
We use the indefinite singular form 'bagatel' after 'en'.
Choose the best context:
The phrase is only for minor, insignificant events.
A: 'Jeg kom til at spilde en dråbe vand på dit bord!' B: '_________________'
This is the most natural and polite way to respond to a tiny accident.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in both formal letters and casual chats.
No, you cannot call a person a 'bagatel'. It only refers to things, events, or ideas.
The plural is 'bagateller'.
Yes, it functions very similarly to 'no problem' or 'no biggie' in English.
No, that is a contradiction! A bagatel is by definition small.
'Småting' is slightly more common in very casual speech, 'bagatel' is slightly more elegant.
Only if you use it to dismiss someone's valid feelings. Otherwise, it is positive.
The 'g' is hard, like in 'gate'.
Yes, if you make a tiny mistake and want to show you are not rattled.
Yes, it is a standard Danish expression used nationwide.
Expressions liées
pyt
similarNever mind / let it go
småting
synonymSmall things
at gå op i bagateller
builds onTo worry about trifles
en storm i et glas vand
similarA storm in a teacup
