Stephan von Breuning (17 August 1774 – 4 June 1827) was a German civil servant, librettist and Ludwig van Beethoven's lifelong friend, from his childhood in Bonn when receiving music lessons until acting as his executor in Vienna.

In 1784, the family made the acquaintance of Ludwig van Beethoven in their home at Bonn.

He became a close friend to the family and gave piano lessons to the Breuning children Eleonore and Lorenz.

Following Beethoven's death in 1827, Breuning assisted in handling affairs of the estate, then died at age 52 a few months later.

Around 1812, Breuning began a relationship with Constanze Ruschowitz (1785-86 in Freudenthal, Austrian Silesia, – 5 October 1856 in Vienna), whom he married on 18 February 1817.