An apparatus for adapting a data structure between a numerical controller and a machine includes a data acquisition logic unit connected to the machine for acquiring values of machine parameters characteristic of a machine state. The data acquisition logic unit includes an interface module containing rules which are used to transform a machine data structure of the values of machine parameters into a control data structure which can be read by the numerical controller. In a corresponding method, values of the machine parameters which occur in a first machine state are transmitted to the data acquisition logic unit and stored therein. The machine state is assigned to the stored values of the machine parameters as at least one rule for interpreting the values of the machine parameters.