Cookies

Use of cookies

a) Description and scope of data processing
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user's computer system. If a user calls up a website, a cookie can be stored on the user's operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is called up again.
If a use of technically necessary cookies takes place:
We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require that the calling browser can be identified even after a page change.
The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:
A list of the stored data follows.

Examples can be:
(1) Language settings
(2) Articles in a shopping cart
(3) Log-in information

If, in addition, a use of technically not necessary cookies is made:
We also use cookies on our website, which enable an analysis of the surfing behavior of the users.
In this way the following data can be transmitted:
A list of the data collected follows.

These can be for example:
(1) Entered search terms
(2) Frequency of page views
(3) Use of website functions

Up to now, it has been possible under Section 15 (3) of the German Telemedia Act (TMG) to pseudonymize the processed personal data for technically unnecessary cookies and to inform the user about the use of cookies and his right to object and remove them ("opt-out solution"). However, it is disputed in legal literature whether this standard will continue to apply after the DSGVO comes into force. In case of doubt, it must therefore be assumed that only the provisions of the DSGVO apply. In this case, only Art. 6 para. 1 DSGVO is to be taken into account. A continuation of the previous practice is also conceivable under this standard if a "legitimate interest" of the processor under Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO is taken as a basis. This means that if the user's consent is not obtained before the technically unnecessary cookies are set and retrieved:
The user data collected in this way is pseudonymized by technical precautions. It is therefore no longer possible to assign the data to the calling user. The data is not stored together with other personal data of the users.
When calling our website, users are informed by an info banner about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and are referred to this privacy policy. In this context, there is also a reference to how the storage of cookies can be prevented in the browser settings.
Whether the current practice of the "opt-out solution" meets the requirements of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DGVO cannot be said with certainty at present. The planned e-privacy regulation could provide clarity in this regard. Until then, however, the most legally secure solution is to obtain the prior consent of the user ("opt-in solution"). In other words, if the consent of the user is obtained before the technically unnecessary cookies are set and retrieved.
When calling up our website, the user will be informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and his/her consent to the processing of the personal data used in this context will be obtained. In this context, reference is also made to this data protection declaration.

b) Legal basis for data processing
If only technically necessary cookies are used, or if technically necessary cookies and technically unnecessary cookies are used without the prior consent of the user:
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO.
If a use of technically necessary and not necessary cookies is made with the prior consent of the user:
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO.
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for analysis purposes is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a DSGVO if the user has given his consent to this.

c) Purpose of the data processing
If a use of technically necessary cookies takes place:
The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these it is necessary that the browser is recognized even after a page change.
We require cookies for the following applications:
The following is a list of applications.

Examples can be:
(1) shopping cart
(2) Acceptance of language settings
(3) Memorizing search terms
The user data collected through technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.
If, in addition, technically not necessary cookies are used:
Analysis cookies are used to improve the quality of our website and its contents. The analysis cookies enable us to find out how the website is being used and thus to continuously optimize our offer.
The exact purpose of the analysis cookies should be described in more detail at this point.
These purposes also include our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO.

e) Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal
Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted by the user to our site. Therefore you as a user have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your Internet browser, you can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies. Already stored cookies can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it is possible that not all functions of the website can be used to their full extent.
If flash cookies are also used:
The transmission of flash cookies cannot be prevented by the browser settings, but by changing the settings of the flash player.