Career
Breitenhofer spent his youth working as a locksmith in Reșița during twenty-two years. After the war he spent time in the Soviet Union, deported for forced labour. He served as editor-in-chief of Neuer Weg (German-language daily newspaper) between 1954 and 1976.
He served as secretary of the German Anti-Fascist Committee 1949-1952.
He was the Vice Chairman of the Bureau of the Council of Working People of German Nationality between 1968 and 1978. He formed part of its Executive Committee between 1962 and 1968.
In his literary career, he wrote novels centered on working class characters in Reschitza. In 1976 he was replaced by Ernst Breitenstein as editor-in-chief of Neuer Weg.
He also resigned from his position in the Council of Working People of German Nationality.
At the 13th Party Congress he was removed from the Central Committee. Number official reasoning was provided for his retreat from public positions.