Confidential, internal matters or information of an organization, company, or group that are not intended for outsiders. The word is used only in the plural.
example
Der Abteilungsleiter bat darum, die besprochenen Interna nicht nach außen zu tragen.
The department head asked that the internal matters discussed not be shared outside the organization.
Usage tips
Origin from Latin
'Interna' is the plural form of the Latin word 'internum' (the inside). This explains why the word exists only in the plural in German and sounds somewhat more formal.
EXAMPLE
Über die Interna der Verhandlungen wurde Stillschweigen vereinbart.
It was agreed that the internal details of the negotiations would be kept confidential.
Only in the plural
This word is a 'plural-only noun'; it has no singular form. It is therefore always used with a plural verb, for example 'die Interna sind...' (the internal matters are...) or 'welche Interna wurden...' (which internal matters were...).
EXAMPLE
Die Interna des Unternehmens sind streng vertraulich.
The company's internal matters are strictly confidential.
Typical verbs
'Interna' is often combined with verbs related to secrecy or communication. Typical phrases are 'Interna preisgeben' (to disclose internal information), 'Interna verraten' (to reveal internal information), 'Interna kennen' (to know internal matters), or 'über Interna sprechen' (to talk about internal matters).
EXAMPLE
Es ist unprofessionell, Interna der Firma an die Presse weiterzugeben.
It is unprofessional to pass on internal company information to the press.
Formal usage
The word 'Interna' belongs to written language or to formal, educated usage. It is often found in the fields of business, politics, and administration.
EXAMPLE
Im nächsten Meeting werden wichtige Interna zur neuen Strategie besprochen.
Important internal matters concerning the new strategy will be discussed in the next meeting.