What do I care! / I can’t  be bothered! [Dutch phrase of the week]

This phrase is used when you convince yourself that you shouldn’t care, don’t want to care, or just don’t care when making a decision.

Alternative versions of this phrase are “wat kan mij het ook schelen!” or “wat kan mij dat nou schelen!”, the latter also suitable to use as a response to a claim, much the same way as “lekker belangrijk!“.

In this phrase “schelen” has the meaning of “to be of concern” or “to
matter”. You will also hear the verb used in the translation of “to
differ” or “to make a (financial) difference”.
(Photo: Francis Barton (flickr.com) – some rights reserved.)

Examples:
– “Wat kan mij het schelen, ik parkeer gewoon op de stoep!”
(“What do I care, I’ll just park on the pavement/side walk!”)

– “Ik ga vandaag een uur eerder naar huis, wat kan mij het schelen!”
(“I’m going home an hour early today, what do I care!”)

– “Nou, dan ga je toch niet mee vanavond. Wat kan mij dat nou schelen!”
(“Well, then stay at home tonight. As if I care!” Literally “dan ga je toch niet mee” translates as “then you don’t come along” with “toch” emphasizing that it is contrary to what was expected/agreed.)

– “Meneer, dit pak staat u echt geweldig!” – “Het is eigenlijk boven mijn budget, maar wat kan mij het ook schelen, ik doe het!”
(“Sir, this suit looks great on you!” – “It is in fact above budget, but what do I care, I’ll take it!)