Veit Dietrich was born on 8 December 1506 in Nuremberg; his father was a shoemaker.

The talent of the boy was soon recognized and patronage of a wealthy benefactor enabled him to attend high school at the University of Wittenberg.

In University Philipp Melanchthon recognized his talent and encouraged him.

As such he accompanied Luther to the Marburg Colloquy and stayed with him during the Diet of Augsburg in 1530 at the Fortress of Coburg.

He earned a Master's degree in 1529 and taught in the art department.