Hitler met Reiter when she was working in a shop in Obersalzberg, one of Hitler's favourite retreats. According to Reiter's own account, the 37-year-old Hitler became friendly with the 16-year-old girl, and asked her out. At the end of the evening he made a 'coarse' sexual advance towards her which she rejected, but they finally kissed. They had a number of other dates during which Hitler became increasingly passionate towards her.

She subsequently asserted that Hitler 'told her that he wanted her to be his wife, to found a family with her, to have blonde children, but at the moment he had not the time to think of such things'. Repeatedly Hitler spoke of his duty, his mission. He told her to wait for him and that they would live together. After this declaration, Hitler ignored her and broke things off.

This plunged her into depression. In 1928 while in despair, she attempted to hang herself, but her brother-in-law found her and cut her down before she could die.