Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow websites to recognize your device and store information about your preferences or activity.

This website uses cookies in compliance with German data protection law and GDPR requirements, with Consent Mode v2 implementation for enhanced privacy compliance.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They include:

• Session cookies for maintaining your browsing session
• Security cookies to protect against fraud
• Cookies for form functionality

These cookies are always active and do not require consent.

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting anonymous usage data. They allow us to:

• Track page views and navigation patterns
• Identify technical errors
• Measure website performance

These cookies require your consent and can be managed through the cookie banner.

2.3 Preference Cookies

These cookies remember your choices and preferences to personalize your experience on future visits, such as language settings or display preferences.

3. Consent Mode v2

We implement Google Consent Mode v2 to manage cookie preferences in compliance with privacy regulations. This allows you to:

• Accept or decline different categories of cookies
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Maintain privacy choices across sessions

Your consent preferences are stored for twelve months.

4. Cookie Management

You have control over cookies through multiple methods:

4.1 Cookie Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept all cookies
• Decline non-essential cookies
• Access detailed cookie information

4.2 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent. Instructions for managing cookies in popular browsers:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and other site data

4.3 Your Privacy Rights

Rejecting non-essential cookies will not prevent website functionality but may limit certain features. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled as they are required for basic website operation.

5. Third-Party Cookies

This website does not currently use third-party cookies from external services. However, if we implement such services in the future, we will update this policy and request appropriate consent.

6. Cookie Duration

Cookies have varying lifespans:

• Session cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Stored for up to twelve months
• Consent preferences: Stored for twelve months

7. GDPR and German Data Protection Compliance

Our cookie practices comply with:

• GDPR Article 7 (conditions for consent)
• GDPR Article 21 (right to object)
• German BDSG requirements for electronic communications
• Directive 2002/58/EC (ePrivacy Directive)

We do not use cookies that could identify you personally without explicit opt-in consent.

8. Data Retention and Anonymization

Any data collected through cookies is anonymized where possible. Identifiable data is:

• Processed only with explicit consent
• Retained only for necessary periods
• Protected by appropriate security measures
• Not shared with third parties without consent

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. The updated date is always indicated at the top of this policy. We recommend reviewing this policy periodically for any changes.