Based on secondary analysis of texts, the author reconstructs the German scientific discourse on education for sustainable development in continuing education and vocational education. The article lays out the possible phases of development of education for sustainable development, pedagogical concepts and the practical dimension of this education, which, although it can already boast significant achievements, is still looking for more effective forms, methods and concepts of dialogue with participants of educational offers and opportunities to reach wider social circles. An important thread discussed in the text are the inspirations of educational policy, which has been consistently supporting the development of education for sustainable development for several decades, both in the formal and non-formal sectors, without losing sight of the potential inherent in informal learning processes.