This publication presents a collection of materials on the German experience with literacy education. A timeline offers a brief account of adult literacy in the Federal Republic of Germany. "Literacy as a Problem in the Federal Republic of Germany" identifies the causes and impacts of "second-order illiteracy" (the loss of reading and writing skills acquired at school). It discusses causes of illiteracy, literacy education practice, projects, and perspectives on what needs to be done. The next section provides materials from the First UNESCO Workshop on Preventing Functional Illiteracy and Integrating Youth into the World of Work. A summary report discusses causes of illiteracy as identified by participants, including poverty, family background, and the media and illiteracy and employment. "Literacy in Industrialized Countries" summarizes conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, including definition of illiteracy/literacy, programs and measures, research, development and funding, structure and organization, implementation, and international cooperation. Experts' comments on literacy follow. The next section is a short history of literacy education since 1946. "The Federal Republic of Germany Preparing for International Literacy Year 1990" (Traugott Schoefthaler) introduces several ways of international cooperation in promoting reading and writing as cultural techniques. "Towards Basic Education for All" (Kurt Mueller) expands upon this German point of view. Appendixes include 26 references and a list of addresses of literacy agencies. (YLB)