Cookies

Use of cookies

Our websites use so-called “cookies”. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer and saved by your browser. They do not damage your computer and do not contain viruses. They help make our offering more user-friendly, efficient and secure. Some cookies (so-called “functional cookies”, e.g. for language settings and ordering processes) are necessary to ensure the basic functions of the website. Without these cookies, the website cannot be used as intended.

Most of the cookies we use are so-called “session cookies”. They are automatically deleted when you finish your visit. Other cookies remain stored on your terminal device until you delete them. These cookies allow us to recognise your browser again on your next visit.

You can configure your browser to notify you when cookies are being set and to allow cookies only in individual cases, to disable the acceptance of cookies in certain cases or altogether, and to activate the automatic deletion of cookies. If you refuse the use of cookies (a setting available in your browser), you may still be able to use our website, albeit with limitations in certain circumstances.

What exactly are cookies?

A cookie is a text file that stores information for a limited period of time. Most websites use cookies. They are automatically downloaded and saved by your browser the first time you visit a website. A cookie contains at least two components: the file name and its value. A cookie usually has an expiry date, determined by its desired lifespan. A distinction is made between session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are automatically deleted at the end of the browsing session. Persistent cookies remain stored on your computer for the lifespan specified for the cookie. They are deleted only after a certain period of time. These cookies remember your preferred settings when you browse the website.

What are cookies needed for?

Cookies make visiting a website easier and more convenient for the user. However, not all cookies are useful or exclusively in the user’s interest. For example, tracking cookies are used to monitor your behaviour on websites and, accordingly, to display advertisements or make websites easier to use. It is therefore important to consider which cookies you should allow and which you should reject. To make this decision, it is helpful to know what types of cookies exist.

What types of cookies are there?

• Functional cookies are absolutely necessary for the website’s basic functions to work. Without them, the website cannot be used as intended. Among other things, they ensure that the website functions correctly when the page changes from http to https and, consequently, that the higher security requirements are met. These cookies collect anonymous information (so your identity cannot be linked to it) and cannot track your activity on other websites. They are stored only for the duration of the session and therefore belong to the session-cookie category. Your consent is not required for the use of these cookies.
• First-party cookies, according to the legal definition, are cookies that are not absolutely necessary for using a website. However, they perform important tasks that improve your browsing experience. For example, these cookies ensure that your selected settings, such as your language choice, are saved. The information they contain is useful only for the specific website.
• “Performance cookies” collect information about how a visitor uses the website, such as which page is accessed most often and whether error messages are displayed. These cookies do not store any other information. They are used simply to improve user convenience and tailor websites more specifically to individual users. This information is stored only in anonymous form.
• If third-party content is integrated into a website, the third-party provider may use cookies even when you are not directly using its website. These cookies are called third-party cookies. The third party may use these cookies to store information about you as a user and identify you when you visit its own website, in order to present you with a website specifically tailored to you. This may happen, for example, when a YouTube video is embedded in a website.
• If cookies are used for marketing purposes, they are called marketing cookies. They are used to show users advertising that is relevant and tailored to them. They are also used to determine how often an advertisement is displayed and how effective an advertising campaign is.

Where can I set cookie preferences?

Most websites contain a notice about the use of cookies. You can also adjust your cookie permissions according to your preferences in your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to accept or delete all cookies, or to allow only certain types of cookies.

You can prevent cookies from being stored on your terminal device by selecting “do not accept cookies” in your browser settings. However, refusing all cookies may limit the functionality of certain websites.

You can delete cookies stored on your terminal device at any time. Please refer to the instructions for your browser or terminal device for detailed information on how to do this.