Germany

  • Germany’s adult education system is very structured and seeks to give access to learning to all adults, through a strong network of community education schools (Volkshochschulen). Although the system offers many public and private opportunities for lifelong learning, participation in adult learning in 2016 was at 8%, well under the European average of 11%.

Germany country reports


Germany 2022

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Germany 2021

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Germany 2020

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2019

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  • Germany introduction

    The current German government is addressing several topics related to adult education, including family issues, vocational training, strategies for continuing education, and digital skills. Even though the coalition agreement has not yet been pass...

  • Recent developments in Germany

    At the moment, the state is in the process of developing a new coalition agreement. The new agreement is expected to extend the National Decade for Literacy and put a stronger focus on family and workplace-centred basic skills. The government has...

  • Links to EU and international policy in Germany

    In Germany the economic support for projects and initiatives in adult education is still well guaranteed, which allows both state and non-governmental organizations to concentrate on their future priorities. Germany’s focus is now education for su...

  • Challenges and recommendations in Germany

    There could be significant consequences for adult education providers as a result of the implementation of a tax reform, which could cause an increase in the cost of educational offers for participants by alm...


EAEA members view

General situation of adult education
neutral face has stayed the same in 2022
Funding situation of adult education
coin pile with arrow pointing slightly down has slightly deteriorated in 2022

Participation in adult education

% of persons aged 25-64
7.7% participation rate last 4 weeks (European Labour Force Survey 2021)
52% participation rate last 12 months (European Adult Education Survey 2016)