Information about the use of cookies

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

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file stored on your computer by a web server. Cookies are generally divided into “session cookies” and “persistent cookies.”

• Session Cookies: Each time you visit this website, a session cookie is created. It contains a randomly generated, unique ID assigned to your computer. A session cookie expires automatically when you close your browser. Session cookies are used to support website functionality and to learn more about your website usage — for example, 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 or are deleted by you. Each time you visit this website, the web server recognizes the persistent cookie stored on your computer. By assigning a unique ID to your computer, preferred settings and usage habits can be stored in a database. This also allows the website to determine how often you visit, how your usage habits change, and how effective website advertising is. This information does not include personal data, only actions performed on your computer.

If you access the website via an email sent to you, or if you created a “user identity” during one of your visits, information provided by the website or third-party cookies may be linked to data held by the website operator that could reveal your identity.

Consent to the use of cookies

For session cookies, your prior consent is not required, as they are necessary for website functionality and expire when you leave the website. The use of persistent cookies, which store your preferences and usage patterns but are not strictly necessary for the website’s operation, requires your prior consent. By using this website, you consent to the use of persistent cookies unless you prevent their installation by changing your computer settings. This also applies to third-party cookies.

Web Beacons

The website may contain pixel graphics, also called “Web Beacons,” “Single-Pixel GIFs,” or “Clear GIFs.” Third parties may use web beacons to learn more about visitor behavior and to measure the effectiveness of advertising activities. Web beacons may also be used in marketing emails to track whether they are opened or trigger user activity. Information collected through web beacons will only be linked to your personal data with your prior consent. By clicking on links in marketing emails sent with your consent, you agree to the use of web beacons unless you prevent their installation by changing your computer settings.

Cookies currently used on the website

• Session ID: The web server may create session cookies 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 from other visitors using the site at the same time. Session cookies are considered essential and do not require your consent.

• Analytics: The website uses Google Analytics. Google Analytics sets multiple first-party cookies to ensure that each subsequent visit can be assigned to the same (unique) visitor. It also helps determine how you found the website.

• Website Navigation: The content management system creates several first-party session cookies, which are deleted when the browser is closed. These cookies enable proper website functionality. The data collected is aggregated and cannot be linked to an individual. Reports are created from this aggregated data to show how visitors reach and use the website, providing insights to update and improve it.

• Third-party Cookies: Third-party cookies are set by partners. If partners are allowed to embed a cookie on a page, the website operator informs you that these cookies require visitor consent. You can deny consent by changing your computer settings. Cookies from advertising partners and third-party content embedded on the website belong to the domain of the third party and are only displayed and managed by them. Examples include Facebook and Twitter, whose cookie policies can be viewed on their respective sites. Google Maps and the Facebook “Like” plugin are also used; the data protection policies of these providers apply. The website operator has no direct control over the content of these cookies.

• Other: Occasionally, other services may be tested that set cookies on your computer. If so, their usage is listed here.

How to change your cookie settings

Configuring your internet browser is free and an effective way to manage cookies. You can:

1. Allow all cookies integrated into the pages and content you access.

   • Note: These cookies can only be read by their issuer and can be disabled at any time.

2. Block all cookies on your device. This may affect navigation, as some features require cookies (e.g., recognizing your operating system or displaying the correct language). The website operator accepts no liability for inconveniences caused by disabled cookies.

3. Set your browser to ask for your consent before installing a new cookie on your device.