A method for providing an activation signal activating a vehicle occupant protection device includes reading in passenger compartment data from a passenger compartment detection unit and seat belt data from a seat belt sensor. The passenger compartment data represent a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seat belt data represent a seat belt fastening angle of a seat belt of the vehicle at a belt reversing point relative to a reference axis of the vehicle. The method also includes determining, based on the passenger compartment data, a piece of seat position information representing an occupancy state of a vehicle seat by an occupant and a relative position of the seat relative to the vehicle; ascertaining an occupant class, representing a physical characteristic of the occupant, using the seat position information seat belt data; and generating the activation signal using the seat position information and the occupant class.