Cookie policy and information on tracking technologies

Introduction and Scope

This Cookie Policy explains the nature, scope, and purpose of the processing of personal data (hereinafter referred to as "data") in connection with the use of our website and the cookies and similar technologies we use. We use cookies and similar storage technologies (such as web storage, pixel tags, and local shared objects) on this website. Compliance with legal regulations, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Telecommunications and Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG), is of utmost importance to us.

The entity responsible for data processing is the one named in the legal notice.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are sent from our web server to your browser during your visit to our website and stored on your device (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.). They serve to store certain information for a specific period of time. This information can either be sent back to us on a subsequent visit to the website (first-party cookies) or to another service provider (third-party cookies). Cookies allow us to make the website more user-friendly, effective, and secure, and to offer you a user experience tailored to your preferences.

Legal basis for data processing

The storage of information on the user's device or access to information already stored on the device (e.g., via cookies) is only permitted under Section 25 Paragraph 1 of the German Telecommunications and Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) if the user has given their consent. The only exception to this is technically necessary cookies, which, according to Section 25 Paragraph 2 No. 2 TTDSG, serve to provide a service you have expressly requested. The subsequent processing of personal data collected by these technologies is carried out in accordance with Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter a GDPR (consent) or Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f GDPR (legitimate interest), provided it is absolutely necessary for technical functionality. You can revoke your consent at any time via the cookie banner settings.

Categories of cookies and their purpose

We generally distinguish between the following categories of cookies:

Essential / Necessary Cookies: These cookies are essential for the basic functions of the website and cannot be deactivated in our systems. They are used, for example, to store your cookie settings or to ensure IT security. The legal basis is Section 25 Paragraph 2 No. 2 of the German Telemedia Act (TTDSG) and our legitimate interest pursuant to Article 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f of the GDPR in the proper and secure operation of the website.

Functional / preference cookies: These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on our pages (e.g., embedding maps). Without these cookies, some services may not function properly.

Statistics / Analytics cookies: These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and analyzing information anonymously. We learn which pages are most popular and how often they are visited. This information helps us improve the content and user-friendliness of our website.

Marketing / External Media Cookies: These cookies are used to present relevant ads to visitors on websites. This is done by tracking visitors across websites. If you reject these cookies, you will see less targeted advertising. They also include cookies necessary for integrating external media content (such as videos).

Details about the services used and their purposes

The following section details the third-party services we use and the purposes associated with setting cookies. The activation of the following services, unless essential, is based solely on your explicit consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR in conjunction with § 25 para. 1 TTDSG):

Cloudflare: Cloudflare is used as a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to optimize our website's loading times and ensure the stability and security of our services. Cloudflare uses cookies to identify and block malicious visitors, protect the website from DDoS attacks, and analyze access to improve performance. This processing primarily serves our legitimate interests in the secure and smooth operation of the website. These cookies are essential for the basic functionality and security of our website.

Google APIs: We use various Google APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to integrate external Google functions into our website and thus improve the user experience. This includes, for example, embedding Google Maps to display our location or using Google Fonts for consistent and fast font rendering. Using these interfaces allows Google to collect the user's IP address, as the content could not otherwise be delivered to your browser. This processing serves the purpose of technical provision, optimization, and the appealing presentation of our content.

Google & YouTube Services: This category includes various Google services that we use for analytics, marketing, and media purposes. Google Analytics allows us to measure user behavior on our website in order to continuously optimize its functionality and content. We also use YouTube to embed video content, which requires YouTube to set cookies for playback. These cookies can be used to create user profiles for personalized advertising on other platforms. By activating this feature, you consent to the data transfer and use of these technologies to analyze our services and display relevant content to you.

Google Tag Manager (GTM): We use Google Tag Manager to centrally and efficiently manage and integrate various tracking codes and marketing tools into our website. GTM itself does not store cookies or process any personal data, but it serves as an interface and organizational tool. Through GTM, we can precisely and compliantly deploy analytics and marketing tags, such as Google Analytics or third-party conversion pixels. Activation is necessary for us to correctly manage our marketing and statistics cookies.

Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to statistically evaluate and measure the usage and success of our website. This service allows us to understand how visitors interact with the website, which pages are particularly popular, and which devices are used. The pseudonymized data collected helps us to continuously improve the user-friendliness and performance of our offerings and to adapt them to the needs of our target audience. With your consent, cookies will be set that enable us to analyze your browsing behavior on our site.

Storage duration of cookies

The storage duration of cookies varies. Session cookies are automatically deleted after you close your browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, remain stored on your device until they expire (this can take hours, days, or years) or until you actively delete them. The cookie banner provides specific information about the storage duration of each individual cookie.

Revocation and objection (opt-out)

You can prevent the storage of cookies at any time by adjusting your browser settings accordingly. However, this may result in certain functions of our website being limited or unavailable. Furthermore, you can make a more detailed selection in the cookie banner regarding which types of cookies you wish to allow.

The withdrawal of previously granted consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before the withdrawal. After withdrawal, we will no longer process the data in question unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing serves the purpose of establishing, exercising or defending legal claims.

Transfer to third countries (non-EU/EEA)

Please note that when using third-party services, particularly those from US providers such as Google or Cloudflare, your data may be transferred to third countries outside the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). An adequate level of data protection may not be fully guaranteed in these countries.

The transfer of data generally takes place on the basis of standard contractual clauses of the European Commission or other suitable safeguards pursuant to Articles 44 et seq. GDPR. By consenting to non-essential cookies, you expressly also consent to the transfer of your data to third countries.