German word

meinetwegen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaɪ̯nətˌveːgn̩/

Meaning

  • adverbif you like

Example

Mir ist das meinetwegen egal.

That does not matter to me; do as you like.

Illustration for meinetwegen (if you like)

More examples

Wenn du möchtest, helfe ich dir meinetwegen gern.

If you wish, I will gladly help you.

Core concept

A speaker lets the matter pass because it causes no problem, whether granting permission or stating a personal standpoint.

Common phrases

  • meinetwegen gern

    gladly

Similar words

egal: A way to indicate that something is unimportant and causes no concern.
na gut: A colloquial reply expressing reluctant agreement to something proposed.
in Ordnung: A phrase showing agreement and that a situation is acceptable.

Definition in German

Meinetwegen drückt aus, dass etwas für die sprechende Person in Ordnung ist oder sie nicht stört.

Word origin

Meinetwegen combines the possessive stem mein with wegen, historically meaning 'for my sake', and developed into a lexicalized adverb for the speaker's acceptance.

Usage tips

  • At the start of a reply, 'Meinetwegen!' can grant permission but often sounds resigned or indifferent rather than warmly enthusiastic.

Other meanings

  • as far as I'm concernedadverb
  • for my sakeadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • meinetwillenfor my sakeadverb
  • meinerseitsfor my partadverb

Word lists with this word