Questions & Answers about Nýslegna myntin er heit.
How is the word Nýslegna formed in this sentence?
It combines the prefix ný- (newly) with slegna, the weak feminine form of sleginn. Sleginn is the past participle of the verb slá (to strike, or to mint). Together, they form the adjectival participle nýsleginn (newly minted).
Why do we use the form Nýslegna instead of Nýslegin?
Because it directly modifies the definite noun myntin (the coin). When an adjective comes directly before a definite noun, it must use the weak declension. For a feminine, singular, nominative noun, the weak ending is -a, making it nýslegna.
If myntin is definite, why isn't the adjective heit also in its weak form (heita)?
Because heit is a predicate adjective, meaning it comes after the verb er rather than directly in front of the noun. Predicate adjectives always use the strong declension in Icelandic, even if the subject they describe is definite. Therefore, we use the strong feminine singular form heit.
Is the verb slá the standard way to say to mint in Icelandic?
Yes, similar to how we use the phrase to strike a coin in English. While slá is most commonly used for hitting, beating, or mowing grass, it is the standard Icelandic verb for minting money.
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