Due to the high complexity and variety of the topic of adult education, he first explained some basic definitions and terms regarding German and English linguistic usage.

Hereafter, he provided some historical insight into the development of adult education in Germany and described the current institutional situation. In general, a solid institutional structure of adult education does not exist in Germany, according to Professor Nuissl von Rein, due to a wide variety of providers and contents as well as a remarkable divergence in the duration of activities.

Afterwards, Prof. Nuissl von Rein presented some empirical evidence and other sources of information regarding adult education and gave an insight into the participation rates of different population groups in Germany. The lecture was followed by a vivid discussion about the German structure of adult education, particularly with regard to older employees. Furthermore, questions on how to compare international systems of adult education were discussed.