Significado
Express lack of interest or concern about something.
Contexto cultural
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Saying 'Das ist mir gleichgültig' is not usually seen as rude, but as a clear statement of fact. It helps avoid unnecessary 'Smalltalk' about unimportant decisions. In the south, 'gleichgültig' is often replaced by 'wurscht' (sausage). This reflects a more relaxed, 'Gemütlichkeit' attitude where many things are seen as not worth worrying about. The term is heavily used in philosophical texts. To be 'gleichgültig' can be a sign of 'Gelassenheit' (equanimity) in Stoicism, or a sign of 'Entfremdung' (alienation) in modern sociology. Among younger people in cities like Berlin, 'gleichgültig' might sound too 'old school.' They prefer 'egal' or English loanwords like 'whatever' or 'egal, man.'
The 'Mir' Rule
Always pair 'gleichgültig' with 'mir' if you want to sound like a native. It's the secret to mastering German emotional expressions.
Don't be too cold
In a relationship, saying 'Das ist mir gleichgültig' too often can make you seem distant. Use it for things, not people.
Significado
Express lack of interest or concern about something.
The 'Mir' Rule
Always pair 'gleichgültig' with 'mir' if you want to sound like a native. It's the secret to mastering German emotional expressions.
Don't be too cold
In a relationship, saying 'Das ist mir gleichgültig' too often can make you seem distant. Use it for things, not people.
The 'Egal' Alternative
If you are unsure, 'egal' is safer in 90% of casual situations. Save 'gleichgültig' for when you want to impress or be very precise.
Teste-se
Which sentence correctly expresses indifference in a formal way?
A colleague asks you which software you prefer.
You must use 'Das ist mir...' (Dative) to express that a situation is indifferent to you.
Fill in the missing dative pronoun.
Mein {der|m} Bruder hat kein {das|n} Interesse an {der|m} Politik. Es ist ____ gleichgültig, wer die {die|f} Wahl gewinnt.
The subject is 'Mein Bruder' (masculine singular), so the dative pronoun is 'ihm'.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
1. Das ist mir gleichgültig. 2. Das ist mir wurscht. 3. Das geht mir am Arsch vorbei.
'Gleichgültig' is the most formal, 'wurscht' is common/regional, and the last one is very rude.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate word.
Chef: 'Sollen wir die {die|f} Präsentation am Montag oder Dienstag halten?' Mitarbeiter: 'Das ist mir ____, ich bin an beiden Tagen im {das|n} Büro.'
In a professional setting with a boss, 'gleichgültig' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Ways to say 'I don't care'
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA colleague asks you which software you prefer.
You must use 'Das ist mir...' (Dative) to express that a situation is indifferent to you.
Mein {der|m} Bruder hat kein {das|n} Interesse an {der|m} Politik. Es ist ____ gleichgültig, wer die {die|f} Wahl gewinnt.
The subject is 'Mein Bruder' (masculine singular), so the dative pronoun is 'ihm'.
1. Das ist mir gleichgültig. 2. Das ist mir wurscht. 3. Das geht mir am Arsch vorbei.
'Gleichgültig' is the most formal, 'wurscht' is common/regional, and the last one is very rude.
Chef: 'Sollen wir die {die|f} Präsentation am Montag oder Dienstag halten?' Mitarbeiter: 'Das ist mir ____, ich bin an beiden Tagen im {das|n} Büro.'
In a professional setting with a boss, 'gleichgültig' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasNot necessarily. It can be a neutral statement of flexibility. However, when describing a person as 'gleichgültig,' it usually implies a negative lack of interest.
Yes, but be careful. 'Er ist mir gleichgültig' means 'I don't care about him anymore,' which often implies a past relationship or conflict that has ended in indifference.
'Egal' is informal and common. 'Gleichgültig' is formal, precise, and can carry a stronger sense of 'apathy.'
You can say 'Das ist mir völlig gleichgültig' or 'Das ist mir vollkommen gleichgültig.'
Yes, it's very common in business to express neutrality regarding minor options.
Frases relacionadas
Das ist mir egal
similarIt's all the same to me (neutral/informal).
Das ist mir einerlei
synonymIt is all one to me.
Das ist mir wurscht
informalI don't care (literally: it's sausage to me).
Das spielt keine Rolle
similarThat plays no role / doesn't matter.
Gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern
builds onBirds of a feather flock together.
