das Innerste
the innermost part
The part of something that lies farthest inside.
EXAMPLE
Im Innersten des Berges wurde ein großer Hohlraum entdeckt.
A large cavity was discovered in the innermost part of the mountain.
das Innerste
innermost
das Innerste
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Meanings
das Innerste
one's innermost thoughts
A person's deepest and most personal thoughts, feelings, or wishes.
EXAMPLE
Sie offenbarte ihm schließlich ihr Innerstes.
In the end, she revealed her innermost thoughts to him.
ins Innerste treffen
to touch someone deeply
To affect or hurt someone emotionally very deeply.
EXAMPLE
Die Worte des Kindes trafen die Mutter ins Innerste.
The child's words touched the mother deeply.
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Innersten |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Innerste | – |
| accusative | das Innerste | – |
| dative | dem Innersten | – |
| genitive | des Innersten | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Substantivized adjective
'Das Innerste' (the innermost part) is a substantivized adjective and refers to the area that lies farthest inside. In fixed prepositional phrases, 'im Innersten' (in the innermost part) and 'ins Innerste' (to the innermost part) are especially common; the word is capitalized in these uses.
EXAMPLE
Im Innersten des alten Gebäudes befindet sich eine kleine Kapelle.
There is a small chapel in the innermost part of the old building.
Die Nachricht traf ihn ins Innerste.
The news touched him deeply.
Spatial collocations
For its spatial meaning, 'das Innerste' (the innermost part) is often used with location phrases in the genitive or with 'von' (of). Typical combinations include 'im Innersten der Erde' (in the innermost part of the earth) and 'im Innersten von etwas' (in the innermost part of something).
EXAMPLE
Im Innersten der Höhle fanden die Forscher ungewöhnliche Steine.
The researchers found unusual stones in the innermost part of the cave.
Personal feelings
In its figurative meaning, 'das Innerste' (one's innermost thoughts and feelings) is often used with verbs of communicating and revealing. Common expressions include 'sein Innerstes preisgeben' (to reveal one's innermost thoughts), 'sein Innerstes zeigen' (to show one's innermost thoughts and feelings), and 'jemandem sein Innerstes anvertrauen' (to confide one's innermost thoughts and feelings in someone).
EXAMPLE
Nach langem Zögern vertraute sie ihrer Freundin ihr Innerstes an.
After hesitating for a long time, she confided her innermost thoughts in her friend.
Fixed expression
In 'jemanden ins Innerste treffen' (to touch someone deeply), 'ins' is part of a fixed expression used with the accusative. The expression describes a particularly strong emotional effect and is often used with words, news, or experiences.
EXAMPLE
Der Abschied von seinem besten Freund traf ihn ins Innerste.
The farewell to his best friend touched him deeply.
In real life
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