[3] He was one of few German Jews who returned to Germany after World War II and became active in politics.
During World War I, Altmaier volunteered for the Germany army and was severely wounded.
After the outbreak of war, he went to the Balkans, Spain, and finally to northern Africa, where was associated with British forces.
He was a member of the post-World War II Bundestag from its inception in 1949 until his death, as the Hanau representative.
He was intimately involved with the 1952 reparation treaty between West Germany and Israel.