The former East German official who inadvertently triggered the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 has died aged 86, German media is reporting.

Guenther Schabowski accidentally prompted thousands of East Germans to dash to the border after a slip up at what would otherwise have been a mundane press conference.

Schabowski, a senior member of, and spokesman for, the German Democratic Republic's ruling Politburo, was answering questions on new travel laws, enabling East German citizens to cross the border with no right of return, when he shocked reporters with his political bombshell.

He prematurely announced that visas would also be issued allowing citizens to cross the border for private travel.

He told reporters: "We have decided today ... um ... to implement a regulation that allows every citizen of the German Democratic Republic... um... to... um... leave East Germany through any of the border crossings."

When asked when it would take effect, the clearly under prepared Schabowski stammered: "According to my information ... immediately, without delay."

The announcement was not due to be made until the following morning, with strict provisions.

However, German media immediately began reporting that the wall was open.

Stunned citizens rushed to checkpoints, overwhelming confused border guards who ultimately let them pass.

East Germany's communist regime crumbled and German reunification followed in October 1990.

Schabowski's wife Irina told German media he died in a Berlin care home after years of illness.