Information on the Use of Cookies

The following technologies are used on this website:

Cookies

Depending on your web browser settings, certain information is collected. This information is automatically sent by your browser to the website operator via a cookie when you visit this website. This information typically includes the IP address assigned to your computer, as well as the type of operating system and browser installed.

A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer’s hard drive by a web server. A distinction is made between “session cookies” and “persistent cookies.”

Session Cookies: A session cookie is created every time you visit this website. It contains a randomly generated, unique identifier that is assigned to your computer. A session cookie automatically expires when you close your browser. Session cookies are used to support the functionality of the website and to learn more about your use of the website—specifically, which pages you visit, which links you click, and how long you stay on each page.

Persistent cookies: Where permitted, persistent cookies are used. These cookies do not expire when you close your browser but remain on your hard drive until they expire after a certain period of time or are deleted by you. Each time you visit this website, the web server recognizes the persistent cookie stored on your computer’s hard drive. By assigning such a persistent, unique identifier to your computer, your preferred settings and usage patterns can be stored in a database. This also allows us to determine how often you visit this website, how your usage habits change, and how effective the website’s advertising activities are. This information does not contain any personal data, but only the actions performed on your computer.

If you access the website via an email sent to you or if you created a “user ID” during one of your visits, the information provided by the website or by third-party cookies may be linked to information in the website provider’s records, from which conclusions about your identity can be drawn.

Consent to the Use of Cookies: Your prior consent is not required for session cookies, as they are necessary for the website to function and expire as soon as you leave the website. The use of persistent cookies, which store your preferred settings and usage patterns but are not strictly necessary for the website’s functionality, requires your prior consent. By using the website, you consent to the use of persistent cookies, unless you prevent the installation of these cookies by changing your computer’s settings. This also applies to third-party cookies.

Web Beacons: The website may contain pixel images. These are called “web beacons,” “single-pixel GIFs,” or “clear GIFs.” Third parties may use web beacons to learn more about the behavior of their website visitors and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Web beacons may also be used in promotional emails to determine whether they are opened and to trigger user activity. The information obtained through web beacons is linked to your personal data only if you have given your prior consent. By clicking on a link in promotional emails sent to you with your consent, you consent to the use of web beacons, unless you prevent the installation of these web beacons by changing your computer’s settings.

Cookies currently used on the website: Current status of our cookie usage, their purpose, their impact on privacy, and their duration:

  • Session ID: The web server may create session cookies that are necessary for using certain interactive elements of the website (e.g., contact forms or login). The cookie contains a session ID that distinguishes your visit to our website from those of other visitors using the website at the same time. Session cookies are considered necessary for the use of the website and do not require your consent.
  • Analytics: The website uses Google Analytics. Google Analytics sets several first-party cookies to ensure that each subsequent visit to the website can be attributed to the same (unique) visitor. It also helps determine how you found the site.
  • Website Navigation: The content management tool creates several first-party cookies. These are session cookies that are deleted as soon as you close your browser. These cookies enable our website to function properly. This data is aggregated and cannot be attributed to any specific individual.

    Based on the data collected using these first-party cookies, reports are generated in aggregated form that provide insight into how visitors arrive at the website and use it. These reports help us gain insights into general visitor behavior. These insights are used to update and improve the website.
  • Third-party cookies: Third-party cookies are cookies set by partners. If these partners are permitted to embed a cookie on a page of the website, the website provider will inform you of the relevant policies and clarify that the collection of information using such cookies requires the visitor’s consent. You can withhold this consent by changing your computer settings.

    Cookies from advertising partners are used, and external content from third parties is embedded on the website. These are cookies that belong to the third-party provider’s domain and can therefore only be displayed and managed by that third-party provider. These third-party providers include, among others, Facebook and Twitter, whose cookie policies you can view on their respective websites. In addition, the Google Maps tool and the Facebook “Like” plugin are used. The privacy policies of these providers apply. The website provider has no direct control over the content of the cookies created by these plugins.

Other: Occasionally, other services are tested that may place cookies on your computer. In such cases, the specific usage will be listed here.



How to Change Your Cookie Settings

Configuring your web browser is free and an effective way to manage cookies. You have the following options:

  • Allow the use of all cookies integrated into the pages and content you visit.
    Note: First, these cookies can only be read by their issuer. Second, this process is not permanent. You can disable these cookies at any time later (managing cookies depends on your web browser; see the relevant instructions).
  • Block the use of cookies on your device. In this case, navigation may be affected. Certain features require cookies (for example, your operating system might not be recognized, or the expected language might not be displayed). The website operator assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience resulting from potential service malfunctions if required cookies are unavailable.
  • Configure your browser so that you are asked for your consent before a new cookie is installed on your device.

How cookies are managed depends on your browser. For further instructions on usage:

  • Internet Explorer™
  • Chrome™
  • Safari™
  • Firefox™
  • Opera™