German word

intern

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪnˈtɛʁn/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinternal

Example

Wir besprechen die internen Probleme.

We are discussing the internal problems.

Illustration for intern (internal)

More examples

Die interne Richtlinie regelt die Zugriffsrechte.

The internal policy regulates access rights.

Core concept

A matter circulating only among the people who belong to an organization or closed group.

Common phrases

  • interne Besprechung

    internal meeting

  • interne Richtlinien

    internal guidelines

  • interne Kommunikation

    internal communication

Similar words

vertraulich: Not meant to be revealed to unauthorized people.
extern: Involving or intended for people outside the organization.
firmenintern: Used only within a particular company.

Definition in German

innerhalb eines Unternehmens, einer Abteilung oder eines geschlossenen Kreises befindlich; nicht für Außenstehende bestimmt

Word origin

The German adjective intern preserves the sense of Latin internus, formed from inter, meaning among or between, for something situated within a group.

Usage tips

  • In German, intern can stand after sein, as in Das bleibt intern, with the understood sense that the matter is not shared externally.

Other meanings

  • in-houseadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • das Interneinternal mattersnoun

Word lists with this word