He succeeded Adalbero I (929–962) as bishop of Metz.
[3] He founded the abbey of St Vincent, Metz.
[4] He crowned Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine as King of France in Laon in 978; Charles, unsuccessful in gaining recognition subsequently, was supported by Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor (a Saxon like Dietrich, and a relation).
Bruno I, Archbishop of Cologne was another cousin, and a friend.
Sigebert of Gembloux and Alpert of Metz wrote biographies of him.