What does Ich bin ein Berliner mean?
“Ich bin ein Berliner” (German pronunciation: [ˈʔɪç ˈbɪn ʔaɪn bɛɐ̯ˈliːnɐ], “I am a Berliner”) is a quotation of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, in a speech given on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin.
Why did JFK say “Ich bin ein Berliner”?
Today marks the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. This German phrase has gone down as one of the most famous mistranslations in history. The common narrative is that, while he tried to declaring his solidarity with the people of Berlin, JFK instead proclaimed “I am a jelly doughnut”.
Where did the Ich bin ein Berliner speech come from?
Genesis and execution of the speech. Origins. The Ich bin ein Berliner speech is in part derived from a speech Kennedy gave at a Civic Reception on May 4, 1962, in New Orleans; there also he used the phrase civis Romanus sum by saying “Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was to say, “I am a citizen of Rome.”.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Ich bin Berliner und ein Berliner?
In fact, Kennedy was correct. To state Ich bin Berliner would have suggested being born in Berlin, whereas adding the word ein implied being a Berliner in spirit. His audience understood that he meant to show his solidarity. Emboldened by the moment and buoyed by the adoring crowd, he delivered one of the most inspiring speeches of his presidency.