Jokes section ?

[Tiberius]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ich_bin_ein...ban_legend

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. The theoretical ambiguity went unnoticed by Kennedy's audience. In sum, "Ich bin ein Berliner" was the appropriate way to express in German what Kennedy meant to say.

It was self evident that he was speaking figuratively, seeing as he isn't a citizen of Berlin yet was saying he was to show his solidarity with the people of Berlin.

The indefinite article ein 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.

I guess even UCLA professors can be wrong