Ich bin ein Berliner

President John F. Kennedy delivered the speech on June 26, 1963, at the Rathaus Schöneberg in West Berlin before a crowd estimated at over 400,000 people. The speech came less than two years after the Berlin Wall was erected by East Germany on August 13, 1961.

This is a widespread linguistic myth. While 'Berliner' is indeed a name for a jelly-filled pastry in some regions of Germany, in Berlin itself the pastry is called a 'Pfannkuchen,' and Kennedy's use of the phrase was correctly understood by his audience as a powerful declaration of solidarity. The crowd erupted in enthusiastic applause.

The speech was primarily drafted by Kennedy's lead speechwriter Ted Sorensen. Robert Lochner, an American journalist and director of the RIAS radio station in Berlin, helped Kennedy practice the German pronunciation of 'Ich bin ein Berliner' shortly before the address.

West Berlin was a focal point of Cold War tension, situated deep inside Soviet-controlled East Germany and physically divided by the Berlin Wall since 1961. Kennedy's visit and speech were intended to reassure West Berliners of America's commitment to defend the city and to signal resolve against Soviet influence in Europe.