Germany

Adult education in Germany includes all organised non-vocational learning for adults after their initial education. The sector is highly diverse and decentralised, involving public, non-profit, and private organisations. Providers include adult education centres (Volkshochschulen), as well as organisations run by churches, political parties, trade unions, foundations, associations or clubs. This diversity results in a fragmented system with varying legal frameworks and funding structures across the federal states in Germany. Compared to other education sectors, adult education is less regulated, particularly regarding teaching qualifications and formal certifications.

Provision covers these main areas:

• Basic skills (e.g. literacy, German as a foreign language, second-chance education)
• Key and life skills (e.g. languages, digital, social, cultural and environmental education)
• Civic and political education

Most providers are small organisations with limited permanent staff and a large number of freelance educators. Funding is mixed, with participant fees as the primary source, complemented by various public subsidies, and project-based funding.

Associations and umbrella organisations play an important role in representing providers, contributing to policy development, and supporting professionalisation and networking within the sector.

Adult education policy in Germany is guided by the National Continuing Education Strategy (2019), developed jointly by federal and state governments, social partners, and labour agencies. Its vision is to establish Germany as a “learning society” with high participation in lifelong learning. A key target, aligned with EU goals, is to reach a 65% participation rate in adult learning. Key policy priorities include improving the access to guidance, funding, and learning opportunities, strengthening regional and sectoral cooperation, developing innovative learning concepts and promoting digital learning.