Problems of adult education development in Germany in the second half of the twentieth century

The article examines the process of formation and development of the system of additional adult education in Germany in the second half of the 20th century. The historical, eco-nomic and political prerequisites that influenced the formation of the adult education system are analyzed. Special emphasis is placed on the value and importance of the legislative acts on adult education adopted by the German Government. It is established that adult education in Germany is “the fourth column” of the education system after primary, secondary and higher education. The principle of unity of the educational system serves as the basis for obtaining a high-quality and satisfying all the emerging needs of a rapidly developing modern society.