What did Kennedy mean when he said "I am a Berliner"?

Question

What did Kennedy mean when he said "I am a Berliner"?

Answer 1

I think he was really trying to tell the people of Berlin that we all sympathised with them, not just himself.  Maybe I'm being too deep!

Answer 2

Everyone who thinks this translates to I am a doughnut is completely wrong.  Do you really think the American president would be allowed to go to a foreign country and make such a ridiculous remark?  Litterally translated, he said I am a citizen of Berlin.

Answer 3

He was trying to identify with the people of Berlin. However what he actually said was: "Ich bin ein Berliner" which means 'I am a doughnut!' He should have said 'Ich bin Berliner'

Answer 4

If you read more of the speech, he said that whenever people discuss the struggles of freedom against tyranny, then he would say, "I am a Berliner (too)"  meaning he would identify with the people of Berlin and with all of the people through History who fight against tyranny.

I'm sure that when he got back to the hotel after the speech and found out why the people kept laughing after he claimed to be a jelly doughnut, then at least one speech writer got fired!  Ich bin ein Berliner, indeed!

Answer 5

It was Kennedy's way to say "I am one of you - - - I understand you - - - I share your dreams & aspirations."

Peace/// \\