inner life / inner workings
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inner life
The entirety of a person's thoughts, feelings, and psychological processes; the psyche.
Der Psychologe versuchte, das komplexe Innenleben seines Patienten zu verstehen.
The psychologist tried to understand the complex inner life of his patient.
inner workings
The internal structure and functioning of a technical device, machine, or organization.
Der Uhrmacher öffnete die Taschenuhr und offenbarte ihr filigranes Innenleben.
The watchmaker opened the pocket watch and revealed its delicate inner workings.
'Innenleben' (inner life / inner workings) is a compound noun made up of the adverb 'innen' (inside) and the noun 'das Leben' (life). So it literally means 'the life inside' and is used both for people and for devices.
Das Buch gibt einen tiefen Einblick in das Innenleben der Hauptfigur.
The book gives a deep insight into the inner life of the main character.
You can easily distinguish the two meanings: If people speak of the 'Innenleben' (inner life) of a person, they mean their thoughts and feelings. If people speak of the 'Innenleben' (inner workings) of a machine or organization, they mean its internal functioning.
Er spricht nur selten über sein Innenleben.
He rarely talks about his inner life.
In the psychological sense, 'Innenleben' (inner life) is often described with adjectives such as 'reich' (rich), 'komplex' (complex), or 'geheim' (secret). Common verbs are 'verstehen' (to understand), 'offenbaren' (to reveal), or 'Einblick geben in' (to give insight into).
Sie hat ein sehr reiches Innenleben und liest viel.
She has a very rich inner life and reads a lot.
offal / innards
Innenleben is the neutral term for the internal structure and functioning of a device. Innerei can also refer to the internal structure or mechanics, but it sounds rare and figurative. Innenleben is therefore the better fit in an ordinary technical description.
Der Techniker erklärt uns das komplizierte Innenleben des alten Radios.
The technician explains the complicated inner workings of the old radio to us.
In seinem bildhaften Text beschreibt der Autor die komplizierte Innerei des alten Radios.
In his figurative text, the author describes the complicated innards of the old radio.
