Life Satisfaction in Germany: Trends, Influencing Factors and Political Relevance

Young adults and retired people are particularly satisfied, while life satisfaction tends to decline in middle age, resulting in a typical ‘U-shaped curve’. Among the key factors influencing the level of contentment are income, age, employment status and an internal locus of control – the belief that the course of life can be influenced by one’s own actions. Those who are convinced that they have their life in their own hands report being considerably more content. Greater wealth increases life satisfaction, especially in the lower income brackets, while when it comes to employment, those working full- and part-time are significantly more satisfied than their marginally employed counterparts. Although the level of life satisfaction varies from region to region, the differences are moderate and the gaps are narrowing. Specific anxieties, such as concern about one's health or economic situation, have a significant impact on the level of contentment. Life satisfaction has now become a widely-researched, complementary indicator of prosperity. It is an important factor in shaping sustainable and resilient social policy and raising confidence in the efficiency of Germany’s social market economy.