The further education of adults in Germany has its roots in the 19th century. In a unified Germany, further education and training enjoy a key position in the establishment of free market economy structures. Further education enjoys equal status with all other educational sectors. It is distinguished by the plurality of organizing bodies and diversity of programs offered. The federal government, Laender (States), and local authorities have their own rights and duties. Industry is the main sponsor and spends yearly an amount equal to that provided by all three governmental levels. Adult education centers, trade union education facilities, industry, ecclesiastical institutions, higher education and academic institutes, and the civil service offer further education. Overlapping commitments of further education are key qualifications, special groups, social and political responsibility, and technological change. Vocational further education enables the maintenance, extension, and adjustment of vocational skills as well as employee promotion. Anticipating the European internal market in 1993, employees regard acquisition of "European qualifications" as the objective of their further training. A large number of measures have been initiated in support of the European unification process. The political parties are concerning themselves with further education and training matters, although they have differing objectives. (Appendixes include a 10-item bibliography, glossary, and addresses of organizations.) (YLB)