Meaning
Downplaying the significance of something.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Jantelov' mentality—not making a big deal of oneself or one's problems. It's a key part of maintaining 'hygge'. Americans use 'No big deal' similarly, but often with more energy. The Danish version is usually delivered with a calm, flat intonation. In Japan, indirectness is key. While the literal translation exists, social harmony is often maintained through silence or deep apologies rather than a verbal dismissal of the problem. Germans value precision. While they use the phrase, they might follow it up with a practical solution more quickly than a Dane would.
The 'Så' Secret
Always include 'så'. It makes you sound 10x more polite and native.
Watch the 'T'
Don't forget the 't' in 'vigtigt'. It's the most common written mistake for A1 learners.
Meaning
Downplaying the significance of something.
The 'Så' Secret
Always include 'så'. It makes you sound 10x more polite and native.
Watch the 'T'
Don't forget the 't' in 'vigtigt'. It's the most common written mistake for A1 learners.
Combine with Pyt
Say 'Pyt, det er ikke så vigtigt' to reach peak Danish level.
Don't be too modest
If something IS important (like a deadline), don't use this phrase just to be polite!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Det er ikke ___ vigtigt.
The standard expression uses 'så' (so) to mitigate the importance.
Which response is most appropriate when someone is 2 minutes late?
Person A: 'Undskyld jeg er lidt sen!'
This is the most polite and common way to reassure someone who is slightly late.
Match the Danish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs.
These are all related but have distinct nuances.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Jeg har glemt min pung!' B: 'Bare rolig, jeg betaler. ___.'
B is reassuring A that the forgotten wallet is not a problem.
In which situation would you NOT say 'Det er ikke så vigtigt'?
Choose the incorrect situation.
Losing a job is a serious event; dismissing it as 'not important' would be very rude.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Vigtigt vs. Lige meget
Practice Bank
5 exercisesDet er ikke ___ vigtigt.
The standard expression uses 'så' (so) to mitigate the importance.
Person A: 'Undskyld jeg er lidt sen!'
This is the most polite and common way to reassure someone who is slightly late.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related but have distinct nuances.
A: 'Jeg har glemt min pung!' B: 'Bare rolig, jeg betaler. ___.'
B is reassuring A that the forgotten wallet is not a problem.
Choose the incorrect situation.
Losing a job is a serious event; dismissing it as 'not important' would be very rude.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, if you are talking about a minor skill you lack or a small mistake in your CV. It shows you are pragmatic.
No, only when it refers to 'det' or a neuter noun. For common gender nouns like 'bilen', use 'vigtig'.
Usually no, as long as you aren't dismissing a task they just gave you!
'Vigtigt' is general importance; 'væsentligt' is more like 'essential' or 'substantial'.
Use 'Det er meget vigtigt' or 'Det er yderst vigtigt'.
Yes, but it sounds very blunt. Adding 'så' makes it much softer.
Yes, the structures are almost identical: 'Det er ikke så viktig' (NO) and 'Det är inte så viktigt' (SE).
No, you wouldn't say a person is 'ikke så vigtigt'. You would say 'Han er ikke så vigtig' (no 't').
People often just say 'Det' lige meget' or 'Det' fint'.
No, that is 'sejr'. It's a common confusion for English speakers.
Yes, it's very common. You can even write 'ik så vigtigt'.
Say 'Det er af sekundær betydning'.
Yes, many Danish pop songs use it to describe casual relationships or minor heartbreaks.
Yes, but be careful—it can sound like you are telling them what to think!
Related Phrases
Det gør ikke noget
synonymIt doesn't matter / No harm done
Det er lige meget
similarIt's all the same / I don't care
Pyt
similarNever mind / Oh well
Det er afgørende
contrastIt is crucial
Ingen årsag
builds onNo problem / You're welcome
