Dorothea Catherine was born in Bischweiler, a daughter of the Count Palatine Christian I of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld-Bischweiler (1598–1654) from his first marriage with Magdalene Catherine (1606–1648), daughter of the Count Palatine John II of Zweibrücken.

She married in 1649 in Bischweiler with Count John Louis of Nassau-Ottweiler (1625–1690), the founder of the line Nassau-Ottweiler.

After her husband's death Dorothea Catherine lived on her widow seat, Neunkirchen Castle[1] near Ottweiler and was active in charity.

She supported the construction and maintenance of a hospital in Ottweiler by contributing substantial financial resources.

From her marriage, Dorothea Catherine had the following children: