Abstract
It appears paradoxical: crisis-like events are becoming more frequent in politics, the economy and society; at the same time, however, life satisfaction among Germans has been steadily increasing since 2021. The data from the Happiness Atlas from 2011 to 2024 (n = 92,000) shows that at least three factors can be identified for the current increase in life satisfaction. Firstly, population groups that were particularly affected by the corona-virus pandemic (women, young adults) are currently experiencing a disproportionately strong recovery. Secondly, there is an income and consumption effect: Germans are travelling more again and a significant increase in income satisfaction shows that the loss of purchasing power due to inflation has been largely compensated for. Thirdly, the increased flexibilisation of work (e. g. through working from home) and reduced working hours are contributing to life satisfaction.