Younger brother of Daniel Chodowiecki, they came together to Berlin in 1741. In 1754 Gottfried gave up working as merchant and concentrated on artistic career. He was miniaturist and enamellist, however he never gained such popularity as Daniel and finally got employed in his brother's workshop as a one of many assistant engravers.

Their greatest joint achievement were illustrations to Basedow's "Elementary Work" – most popular German elementary of the 18th century, published in 1770. They were etched by Gottfried according to sketches prepared by Daniel.