Signification
Indifference.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' values consensus. Saying 'Dat maakt mij niet uit' is often a way to let others lead the decision-making process to maintain harmony. Flemish speakers use this phrase too, but they might also say 'Het speelt geen rol' (It plays no role) more frequently than in the Netherlands. Directness is key. If a Dutch person says it doesn't matter, they truly mean it. Don't waste time trying to 'double-check' if they have a secret preference. Younger generations often replace 'maakt niet uit' with 'boeit niet', which is much more informal and can sometimes sound slightly rude to older people.
Use 'me' for speed
Saying 'Het maakt me niet uit' is much faster and sounds more like a local than using the full 'mij'.
Watch your tone
If you say this too quickly or without a smile, it can sound like you are annoyed or bored. Add a 'hoor' at the end to sound friendlier: 'Maakt niet uit, hoor!'
Signification
Indifference.
Use 'me' for speed
Saying 'Het maakt me niet uit' is much faster and sounds more like a local than using the full 'mij'.
Watch your tone
If you say this too quickly or without a smile, it can sound like you are annoyed or bored. Add a 'hoor' at the end to sound friendlier: 'Maakt niet uit, hoor!'
The 'Niks' upgrade
If you want to sound really fluent, use 'niks' instead of 'niet'. 'Dat maakt me niks uit' sounds very natural in casual conversation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Wil je rode of witte wijn? Dat ______ mij niet uit.
The verb used in this expression is always 'maken' (to make).
Which sentence is a natural response to an apology?
Sorry dat ik je pen ben kwijtgeraakt!
While 'Dat maakt mij niet uit' is correct, adding 'Geen probleem' makes it a very natural and friendly response.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the different registers of expressing indifference in Dutch.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Gaan we met de fiets of met de bus? B: ________, het is allebei prima.
Since both options are 'prima' (fine), 'Dat maakt niet uit' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWil je rode of witte wijn? Dat ______ mij niet uit.
The verb used in this expression is always 'maken' (to make).
Sorry dat ik je pen ben kwijtgeraakt!
While 'Dat maakt mij niet uit' is correct, adding 'Geen probleem' makes it a very natural and friendly response.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the different registers of expressing indifference in Dutch.
A: Gaan we met de fiets of met de bus? B: ________, het is allebei prima.
Since both options are 'prima' (fine), 'Dat maakt niet uit' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral. However, like 'I don't care' in English, your tone of voice matters. If said with a smile, it's very helpful and flexible.
Yes! Dropping the 'Het' or 'Dat' is very common in informal spoken Dutch. It's like saying 'Doesn't matter' instead of 'It doesn't matter'.
'Mij' is the full form and is used for emphasis. 'Me' is the reduced form used in 90% of casual conversations.
Use it sparingly. If asked about a preference for a start date, it's fine. If asked about your professional opinion, it might make you seem indecisive.
You can say 'Het maakt me helemaal niets uit' or 'Het maakt me geen snars uit'.
Both are correct. 'Dat' points more specifically to the thing just mentioned, while 'Het' is more general. In practice, they are interchangeable.
Simply remove the 'niet': 'Het maakt mij wel uit'. The 'wel' is often added for emphasis.
Yes, 'Het boeit me niet' is the most common slang version used by younger people.
Be careful. Using it for serious topics can make you seem apathetic. It's best for choices and minor mistakes.
Yes: 'Het maakt niet uit wie'. You can use it with any question word (wie, wat, waar, wanneer, hoe).
Expressions liées
Het maakt geen verschil
synonymIt makes no difference.
Het boeit me niet
informalI don't care / It doesn't interest me.
Het is mij om het even
formalIt's all the same to me.
Wat jij wilt
similarWhatever you want.
