German word

innig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɪnɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveclose

Example

Sie haben eine innige Freundschaft.

They have a close friendship.

Illustration for innig (close)

More examples

Trotz eines Streits blieb ihre innige Freundschaft bestehen.

Despite an argument, their close friendship continued.

Core concept

A relationship reaches inward to the heart, marked by warmth, trust, and strong feeling.

Common phrases

  • eine innige Freundschaft

    a close friendship

  • eine innige Umarmung

    a heartfelt embrace

  • innig verbunden

    closely connected

Similar words

vertraut: Familiar and at ease through long experience and close personal contact.
eng: Closely bonded in a relationship or other personal connection.
intim: Concerned with private, deeply personal, or sexual intimacy.
herzlich: Showing warm, sincere affection and friendly goodwill.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet eine tiefe, von Herzen kommende Verbundenheit zwischen Personen.

Word origin

The adjective developed from the Germanic word family of inne, 'within', through Middle High German innic, shifting from inwardness to heartfelt closeness.

Usage tips

  • Innig is natural with nouns such as 'Beziehung', 'Freundschaft', and 'Verbundenheit', but it is not the usual word for physical proximity.

Other meanings

  • heartfeltadjective
  • deepadjective
  • passionateadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Innigkeitintimacynoun

Word lists with this word