Ich bin ein Berliner facts for kids
The famous phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner" (which means "I am a Berliner") comes from a speech given by U.S. President John F. Kennedy on June 26, 1963. He spoke these words in West Berlin.
This message was meant for both the Soviet Union and the people of Berlin. It clearly showed the United States' policy after the Berlin Wall was built. Another German phrase in the speech was "Lasst sie nach Berlin kommen" ("Let them come to Berlin"). This was aimed at anyone who thought they could work with the Communists. Kennedy gave this speech just five months before he was killed later that same year.
Why This Speech Was Important
This speech is seen as one of Kennedy's best. It was a key moment during the Cold War and a highlight of his "New Frontier" plans. It gave a huge boost to the people of West Berlin. They lived in a small area, like an enclave, deep inside East Germany. They were worried that East Germany might try to take over their city.
Kennedy spoke from a platform on the steps of Rathaus Schöneberg, the city hall. About 450,000 people were there to listen. He said:
Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was civis romanus sum ["I am a Roman citizen"]. Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner!"... All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner!"
Kennedy used the phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner!" twice in his speech. He even said it at the very end. He pronounced the German words with his Boston accent. He had written down the words "ish bin ein Bearleener" on his notes to help him say them correctly.
Other pages
- Tear down this wall! (Ronald Reagan speech)
Images for kids
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John F. Kennedy's phonetic transcription of the German and Latin phrases in the Ich bin ein Berliner speech
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Kennedy delivering his speech in Berlin
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Plaque commemorating Kennedy's speech next to the front entrance of Rathaus Schöneberg
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Berliner with plum jam filling
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See also
In Spanish: Ich bin ein Berliner para niños
