Dealing with tech issues often means explaining what is not working. When you use negative words like inte (not) in complex sentences, Swedish uses a special word order rule.
The BIFF Rule
In a regular main clause, inte comes after the verb. But in a subordinate clause (a dependent clause starting with words like att, om, or eftersom), inte jumps before the conjugated verb.
Swedes learn this as the BIFF rule: Bisats, Inte Före Finita verbet (Subordinate clause, inte before the finite verb).
Conditions and Causes
The BIFF rule applies to all subordinate clauses, including those starting with om (if), eftersom (since/because), or när (when).
Indirect Questions
Question words like varför (why) can also connect clauses. When used this way, they act as subjunctions, meaning the BIFF rule applies here too.
Starting the Sentence with a Subordinate Clause
When you place the subordinate clause at the beginning of your sentence, the BIFF rule still dictates the word order inside that clause (inte before the verb).
Remember that the entire subordinate clause counts as the first position in the sentence. Because of the V2 (verb-second) rule, the main clause must immediately follow with its verb.