Objective <p>This study examines life satisfaction in Germany and its association with perceived crisis-related stress, subjectively assessed social class, and social and psychological resources. It further explores which resources are associated with an attenuation of the negative relationship between low social class and life satisfaction.</p> Methodological approach <p>An online survey was conducted by the Bilendi Institute between 17 July and 4 August 2025. A total of 1066 people aged between 18 and 74 were surveyed. Of the respondents, 509 were male and 557 were female; 928 cases were included in the analysis due to their completeness.</p> Results <p>The average life satisfaction of respondents on a scale of 1 to 10 is 6.1 (SD 2.1). The regression model explains 54% of the variance in the variable life satisfaction. Experienced crisis stress, social class and resources relate in a statistically significant way to life satisfaction, taking control variables into account. The interaction effect between social class and future prospects is also significant (<i>β</i> = −0.19; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). In the lower social classes, a confident outlook on the future is associated with significantly higher life satisfaction.</p> Conclusion <p>The results show that individuals who are unemployed or work-incapacitated, as well as those with poor health, low educational attainment, and belonging to lower social classes, report lower levels of life satisfaction. In lower social classes in particular, positive future prospects are associated with higher levels of life satisfaction.</p>