Learn Hardcore Icelandic: Mig vantar mynt.

Because að vanta is an impersonal verb that takes the experiencer in the accusative case (a “quirky subject”). So you say Mig vantar ... (“Me-ACC is lacking ...”), not Ég vantar .... Use mig because it’s the accusative form of “I.”

What case is "mig," and what are the forms of “I” in Icelandic?

mig is accusative. The four case forms are:

Nominative: ég
Accusative: mig
Dative: mér
Genitive: mín

Who is the subject here? Why is the verb in 3rd person singular (vantar)?

There’s no nominative subject; this is an impersonal construction. The finite verb stays 3rd person singular by default. You can also include a dummy subject: Það vantar mynt. Fronting the experiencer gives Mig vantar mynt, but the verb doesn’t agree with it because it isn’t nominative.

Can I say “Mér vantar mynt”?

You’ll hear Mér vantar ... in colloquial speech, but standard grammar teaches the accusative: Mig vantar .... Stick with accusative (e.g., Þig vantar ..., Hana vantar ...) in writing and in careful speech.

Could I use “Ég þarf mynt” instead? Is there a nuance difference?

Yes. Ég þarf mynt (from að þurfa, “to need”) is fine.

Mig vantar mynt = I’m lacking coins (they’re missing/unavailable to me).
Ég þarf mynt = I need coins (a requirement). For actions, use þurfa: Ég þarf að fá smámynt (“I need to get some change”). Don’t use vanta with an infinitive.

What exactly does “mynt” mean here? Coins, change, or currency?

mynt can mean “coinage/currency” or “coins” as a mass noun. For everyday “change,” Icelanders often say:

smámynt = small change
lausamynt = loose change So you might say Mig vantar smámynt/lausamynt. When talking about different national currencies, mynt is countable: e.g., erlendar myntir (“foreign currencies”).

Why is there no word for “a” or “some” before “mynt”?

Icelandic has no indefinite article. A bare noun often corresponds to English “some.” If you want to be explicit:

Mig vantar smá mynt (literally “a little coinage”), or more idiomatically smámynt.
Mig vantar einhverja mynt (“some coins/coinage”).

What case is “mynt” here?

Accusative, as the direct object of vantar. With many mass/feminine nouns the nominative and accusative look the same, so you can’t see it on mynt. Compare: Mig vantar peninga (“I need money,” accusative plural of peningar).

Can I change the word order? How do I ask a yes/no question?

Yes. Icelandic is verb‑second.

Neutral statement: Mig vantar mynt.
Topic fronting: Mynt vantar mig. (emphasizes “coins”) Questions put the verb first:
Vantar þig mynt? (“Do you need coins?”) Negation follows the verb: Mig vantar ekki mynt.

How do I say this for other persons?

Use the accusative pronoun + vantar + noun:

Þig vantar mynt. (you sg.)
Hann/Hana/Það vantar mynt.
Okkur vantar mynt. (we)
Ykkur vantar mynt. (you pl.)
Þá/Þær/Þau vantar mynt. (they masc/fem/neut)

How do I say it in the past or perfect tenses?

Past: Mig vantaði mynt.
Past negative: Mig vantaði ekki mynt.
Present perfect: Mig hefur vantað mynt.
Past perfect: Mig hafði vantað mynt.

Can I use “vanta” with a verb (“I need to …”)?

No. Use að þurfa for actions: Ég þarf að … (e.g., Ég þarf að skipta, “I need to get change”). Vanta is for lacking nouns: Mig vantar smámynt.

Any pronunciation tips for “Mig vantar mynt”?

Stress the first syllable of each word.
y is pronounced like short English “i”: both mig and mynt have an /ɪ/ vowel.
You may hear mig as [mɪɣ] or devoiced to [mɪk] in fast speech.
vantar is roughly [ˈvan̥tar]; the nt-cluster is voiceless.
mynt is roughly [mɪnt].

How can I ask for change more politely or idiomatically?

Common options:

Áttu smámynt? (“Do you have some change?”)
Ertu með lausamynt?
Gætirðu skipt fyrir mig? (“Could you make change for me?”)
Má ég fá smámynt?
Gætirðu skipt þessum seðli? (“Could you change this bill?”)

Are there synonyms or near‑synonyms for “vanta”?

skorta (more formal/literary): Mig skortir mynt.
Colloquial: Ég er uppiskroppa með smámynt (“I’m out of change.”)