Saint Albert was born some time around 1200 to a family of nobles in Lauingen (Bavaria, Germany). He studied in Padua (Italy) and was ordained priest.

He entered the Order of Preachers in either 1223 or 1221, and studied theology in Bologna. He lectured in different locations: in Cologne, Regensburg, Freiburg, Strasbourg, Hildesheim, as well as in Paris.

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a student of his at Cologne and at Paris. In 1254 he became prior provincial of the province of Teutonia, and was appointed bishop of Regensburg in 1260 by the Pope. After only two few years as bishop he resigned.

He spent his retirement in the Dominican priories of Würsbourg, Strasbourg and Cologne, and he continued to preach. He left behind him works in theology, philosophy and natural science.

He died in Cologne on 15th November 1280, was canonised in 1931 and declared doctor of the Church the same year. His feast day is 15th November.