Breakdown of Hon säger att lösenordet inte stämmer.
hon
she
inte
not
säga
to say
att
that
stämma
to be correct
lösenordet
the password
Questions & Answers about Hon säger att lösenordet inte stämmer.
Why is inte placed before the verb stämmer?
This is the BIFF rule in action! In a normal main sentence, you would say lösenordet stämmer inte (the password is not correct). But because this is a subordinate clause starting with att (that), the word inte has to move before the verb. BIFF is a handy acronym that reminds learners that in a subordinate clause, inte goes before the working verb.
Does the verb stämmer just mean "is correct"?
Exactly. The verb att stämma means "to be correct" or "to match". Notice how English uses the verb "to be" plus the adjective "correct" (is correct), but Swedish expresses this entire idea with one single verb (stämmer).
What parts make up the word lösenordet?
It is a compound word made of lösen (a password, fee, or ransom) and ordet (the word). Since ord is an "ett" word (ett ord), it takes the -et ending to mean "the password".
Can I leave out att like we often drop "that" in English?
Yes, you can! Just like in English, you will often hear Swedish speakers drop att in everyday speech, saying Hon säger lösenordet inte stämmer. However, keeping att is great practice right now because it acts as a signal that a subordinate clause is starting, which reminds you to apply the BIFF rule.
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