Calvarienberg (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Of course the people of Berlin and all the other Germans watching or hearing that speech did understand, that Kennedy wasn't referring to the same-named donut but to the citizen of the city - the Berliner.

Calvarienberg (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

By the way, a "Berliner" is in actual fact a special donut, with icing sugar around it and a sweet marmalade centre. Very delicious.

Calvarienberg (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

He was beyond question one of the most capable presidents the United States were ever able to offer to the world. This speech holds a legendary status in my country and among those Germans, who grew up and lived in a divided post-war Germany. Whenever I hear his words "Ich bin ein Berliner" in his clearly accentuated German, it still gives me the creeps. He declared his solidarity not only with the West, but also with the East Germans in the GDR. What an impressive statesman.

ard767 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

It was 45 years ago today that this great leader was taken from us. His greatness came not from his charisma but from his vision and his ability to inspire people. "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." That's what real patriotism is all about... You may be gone Mr. President, but you will never be forgotten. Salute and RIP.

deagla (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

lol..the freeworld..what a loaded term that is!

Neinoderja (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

He might have stolen that from Wikipedia, but he is right. If you spoke German or lived in Germany you wouldnt have laughed at JFK, because you would have known what he meant. The fact that they mean the same thing is meaningless in the context of the speech.

hiebs3 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

wow, did you read that straight off wikipedia, and pass it off as your own opinion? it is irrelevant what area calls it what. what he said in german was either "i am a berliner", or "i am a berliner (donut)" regardless of what city you live in. it is funny because jfk did not know he was saying he was a donut to most the people in germany who watched on tv.

PachecoOwnz (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

If it wasn't for this man chances are my parents wouldn't be here today.

Ltillema (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The indefinite article ein can be and often is omitted when speaking of an individual's profession or residence but is necessary when speaking in a figurative sense as Kennedy did. Since the president was not literally from Berlin but only declaring his solidarity with its citizens, "Ich bin Berliner" would not have been correct. Also read my comment farther up. Berliner is not a donut in and around berlin.

Ltillema (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

The citizens of Berlin do refer to themselves as Berliner; what they do not refer to as Berliner are jelly doughnuts. While these are known as "Berliner" in other areas of Germany, they are simply called Pfannkuchen (pancakes) in and around Berlin.