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inwardly
Refers to a person's world of feelings and thoughts; emotional or mental. It describes states that are not necessarily visible from the outside.
Obwohl sie lächelte, war sie innerlich sehr nervös.
Although she was smiling, inwardly she was very nervous.
internal
Refers to the inside of the body or is intended for use inside the body, for example with medications.
Diese Salbe ist nur zur äußerlichen, nicht zur innerlichen Anwendung gedacht.
This ointment is intended only for external use, not internal use.
internal
Refers to the internal affairs or structure of an organization, state, or group.
Die Partei war durch innerliche Streitigkeiten geschwächt.
The party was weakened by internal disputes.
The word 'innerlich' (inner/inwardly) is derived from 'innen' (inside). The ending '-lich' makes it an adjective. So it describes how something is 'innen' (inside).
Bitte warte drinnen, es ist zu kalt draußen.
Please wait inside; it's too cold outside.
When it comes to feelings, 'innerlich' (inwardly) describes a state that you do not necessarily show outwardly. It is often used as an adverb to modify verbs like 'lachen' (to laugh), 'weinen' (to cry), or 'aufgeben' (to give up).
Er hat den Job schon innerlich aufgegeben.
He has already given up on the job inwardly.
In a medical context, 'innerlich' (internal) signals that a medication is intended to be taken internally, e.g. swallowed. It often stands in contrast to 'äußerlich' (external, for the skin).
Diese Tropfen sind zur innerlichen Einnahme bestimmt.
These drops are intended for internal use.
In connection with organizations or groups, 'innerlich' (internal) often describes problems or structures. Typical combinations are 'innerliche Konflikte' (internal conflicts), 'innerliche Zerrissenheit' (inner turmoil), or 'innerliche Erneuerung' (internal renewal).
Die innerlichen Konflikte haben die Partei geschwächt.
The internal conflicts weakened the party.
inner
Both adjectives can refer to feelings and thoughts. „Inner“ describes such a state more as part of a person’s inner self, while „innerlich“ places more emphasis on subjective feelings that are not necessarily visible from the outside. Use „inner“ for a general inner quality and „innerlich“ often for a person’s personal experience.
Nach dem Gespräch fühlte sie sich innerlich viel ruhiger.
After the conversation, she felt much calmer inwardly.
Nach dem Gespräch fand sie endlich inneren Frieden.
After the conversation, she finally found inner peace.
