Meaning
Stating that something is unimportant.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the 'Pyt' culture. Danes even have 'Pyt-buttons' in offices to press when something goes wrong but 'det er lige meget'. Reflects the 'Law of Jante' (Janteloven) where individual preferences are often downplayed to maintain group harmony. In Danish flat hierarchies, saying 'det er lige meget' can signal that you trust your colleague's judgment over your own preference. Younger Danes often contract the phrase to 'Det' lige meget' or use the English 'Whatever' in slang, but 'lige meget' remains the foundation.
The 'For Mig' Add-on
Adding 'for mig' at the end makes you sound more polite and less dismissive.
Tone Matters
If said with a sigh, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep it light!
Meaning
Stating that something is unimportant.
The 'For Mig' Add-on
Adding 'for mig' at the end makes you sound more polite and less dismissive.
Tone Matters
If said with a sigh, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep it light!
Texting Shortcut
In Danish texts, people often write 'ligemeget' as one word to save time.
The Pyt Connection
If you want to sound very Danish, say 'Pyt, det er lige meget'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to say 'It doesn't matter'.
Vil du have æbler eller pærer? Det ___ ___ meget.
The standard phrase is 'Det er lige meget'.
Which response is most natural when you want to say 'Never mind'?
Hvad sagde du? Jeg hørte det ikke.
'Det er lige meget' is the standard way to say 'Never mind' or 'It wasn't important'.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'lige meget'.
Situation: You are choosing between two identical movies.
When options are equal, use 'Det er lige meget'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Undskyld jeg kommer for sent! B: ____, vi er lige startet.
Here it means 'It's okay / Don't worry about it'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVil du have æbler eller pærer? Det ___ ___ meget.
The standard phrase is 'Det er lige meget'.
Hvad sagde du? Jeg hørte det ikke.
'Det er lige meget' is the standard way to say 'Never mind' or 'It wasn't important'.
Situation: You are choosing between two identical movies.
When options are equal, use 'Det er lige meget'.
A: Undskyld jeg kommer for sent! B: ____, vi er lige startet.
Here it means 'It's okay / Don't worry about it'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsBoth 'lige meget' and 'ligemeget' are used, but two words is more traditional.
Yes, but 'jeg er ligeglad' is more direct. 'Det er lige meget' is softer.
Usually no, but it can be if you use it to dismiss someone's feelings.
'Pyt' is an exclamation for letting go, 'det er lige meget' is a statement of fact.
Only for minor things, like which chair to sit in. Don't use it for important questions!
Related Phrases
Det gør ikke noget
similarIt doesn't matter / No harm done
Jeg er ligeglad
similarI don't care
Det er ét fedt
synonymIt's all the same
Hip som hap
synonymSix of one, half a dozen of the other
Pyt
builds onNever mind / Let it go
Uanset
specialized formRegardless
