The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an improved scheme for encoding control information for transmitting user data. Further the method and apparatus may allow for reducing the control signaling overhead. These advantages may be achieved by interpreting information on at least one link adaptation parameter for transmitting the user data to determine the at least one link adaptation parameter for transmitting the user data, wherein the at least one link adaptation parameter for transmitting the user data is comprised in control signaling. According to the invention the interpretation of the information depends on at least one link adaptation parameter employed for transmitting the control signaling.