Learn Swedish: Familjen lyssnar inte på hunden. - The family is not listening to the dog.

In simple Swedish sentences, the verb is almost always in the second position. Since the subject Familjen is first, the verb lyssnar must be second. The negative word inte then follows the verb.

Why use the word på here? Doesn't it usually mean 'on'?

Yes, på often translates to 'on'. However, Swedish verbs often pair with specific prepositions that don't match English perfectly. To say you listen to something in Swedish, you always use lyssnar på.

How do the words Familjen and hunden show that they mean 'the family' and 'the dog'?

Instead of putting a separate word for 'the' in front of the noun, Swedish adds an ending to the noun itself. Because familj and hund are both 'en'-words, you add -en to the end of them to make them definite.

How would I say 'The family does not listen' instead of 'is not listening'?

You would use this exact same sentence! Swedish does not have a separate continuous tense for things happening right now. Familjen lyssnar inte translates to both 'The family does not listen' and 'The family is not listening', depending on the context.