Privacy policy for this website
This is the English translation of our German privacy policy. The translation was done to the best of our knowledge.
In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail.
We are delighted that you are interested in our company. Data protection is a particularly high priority for the company’s management. It is generally possible to use the company’s website without providing any personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use specific services provided by our company via our website, it may be necessary to process personal data. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject. The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, email address or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and in compliance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to the company. Through this privacy policy, our company would like to inform the public about the nature, scope and purpose of the personal data we collect, use and process. Furthermore, this privacy policy informs data subjects about their rights. As the controller, the company has implemented numerous technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data processed via this website is protected as completely as possible. Nevertheless, Internet-based data transmissions can generally have security gaps, so that absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for example by telephone.
1. Definitions
The company’s privacy policy is based on the terms used by the European legislator when the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was enacted. Our privacy policy should be easy to read and understand for the public as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terms used in advance. We use the following terms in this privacy policy, among others:
1. Personal data
Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as “data subject”). A natural person is considered identifiable if they can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by association with an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.
2. Data subject
A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.
3. Processing
Processing means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets thereof, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, reading, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, distribution or any other form of provision, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.
4. Restriction of processing
Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing.
5. Profiling
Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of such personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyse or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behaviour, location or movements.
6. Pseudonymisation
Pseudonymisation is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organisational measures to ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.
7. Controller or controller responsible for processing
The controller or data controller is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union law or the law of Member States, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union law or the law of Member States.
8. Processor
A processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which processes personal data on behalf of the controller.
9. Recipient
A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body to which personal data are disclosed, regardless of whether they are a third party or not. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the course of a specific investigation under Union law or the law of the Member States are not considered recipients.
10. Third party
A third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or the processor, are authorised to process personal data.
11. Consent
Consent is any freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement or by action, signifies agreement to personal data relating to him or her being processed.
2. Name and address of the controller
The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union and other provisions of a data protection nature can be found here.
3. Name and address of the data protection officer
The data protection officer of the controller can be contacted here.
4. Cookies
The company’s websites use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an Internet browser. Numerous websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier for the cookie. It consists of a string of characters that allows websites and servers to be assigned to the specific Internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables the websites and servers visited to distinguish the individual browser of the person concerned from other Internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific Internet browser can be recognised and identified via the unique cookie ID. By using cookies, the company can provide users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the use of cookies. Cookies enable to optimise information and offers on our website in the interests of the user. As already mentioned, cookies enable us to recognise users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, users of a website that uses cookies do not have to re-enter their access data each time they visit the website, as this is stored by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the cookie used by a shopping basket in an online shop. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping basket via a cookie. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of a corresponding setting in the Internet browser used and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programmes. This is possible in all common Internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the Internet browser used, it may not be possible to use all functions of our website to their full extent.
5. Collection of general data and information
The website of the company collects a series of general data and information each time the website is accessed by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server log files. The following may be collected (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers), (4) the sub-websites that are accessed on our website via an accessing system, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet Protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to protect against attacks on our information technology systems. When using this general data and information, the company does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. This information is required in order to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimise the content of our website and the advertising for it, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyber attack. This anonymously collected data and information is therefore evaluated by the company on the one hand statistically and on the other hand with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company in order to ultimately ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data in the server log files is stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.
6. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data
The controller processes and stores personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or if this has been provided for by the European directive and regulation issuer or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject. If the purpose of storage no longer applies or if a storage period prescribed by European Directive and Regulation or other competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
7. Rights of the data subject
a) Right to confirmation
Every data subject has the right granted by European Directive and Regulation to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning them are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
b) Right to information
Every person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations to obtain, at any time, free of charge, information from the controller about the personal data stored about them and a copy of this information. Furthermore, European directives and regulations grant the data subject the right to obtain the following information:
- the purposes of the processing
- the categories of personal data being processed
- the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations
- where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored or, if this is not possible, the criteria for determining this period
- the existence of a right to rectify or erase personal data concerning them or to restrict processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing
- the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
- if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: any available information on the source of the data
- the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject
Furthermore, the data subject has the right to obtain information on whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. If this is the case, the data subject also has the right to obtain information on the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to information, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
c) Right to rectification
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data, including by means of a supplementary statement, taking into account the purposes of the processing. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
d) Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations to request that the controller delete personal data concerning them without delay if one of the following reasons applies and provided that the processing is not necessary:
- The personal data has been collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which it is no longer necessary.
- The data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
- The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21(2) of the GDPR.
- The personal data has been processed unlawfully.
- The deletion of personal data is necessary to comply with a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
- The personal data was collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8(1) GDPR.
If one of the above reasons applies and a data subject wishes to request the deletion of personal data stored by the company, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The company employee will ensure that the deletion request is complied with immediately. If the personal data has been made public by the company and our company is obliged to delete the personal data in accordance with Art. 17(1) GDPR, the company shall take appropriate measures, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and implementation costs, to inform other data controllers who process the published personal data that the data subject has requested that these other data controllers delete all links to this personal data or copies or replications of this personal data, unless processing is necessary. The company employee will take the necessary steps in each individual case.
e) Right to restriction of processing
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations to request the controller to restrict processing if one of the following conditions is met:
- The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
- The processing is unlawful, but the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead.
- The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but the data subject needs it for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
- The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.
- If one of the above conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by the company, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time. The company employee will arrange for the processing to be restricted.
f) Right to data portability
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by the European Directive and Regulation to receive the personal data concerning them, which they have provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data has been provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. Furthermore, when exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Art. 20(1) GDPR, the data subject has the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject may contact an employee of the company at any time.
g) Right to object
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation, to object at any time, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning them which is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions. The company will no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims. If the company processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data for such marketing purposes. This also applies to profiling insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to the company processing their data for direct marketing purposes, the company will no longer process the personal data for these purposes. In addition, the data subject has the right to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning them which is carried out by the company for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. To exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of the company or another employee directly. The data subject is also free to exercise their right to object in relation to the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.
h) Automated individual decision-making, including profiling
Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning them or similarly significantly affects them, unless the decision (1) is not necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorised by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and that law provides for appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms and legitimate interests of the data subject, or (3) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent. If the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is based on the data subject’s explicit consent, the company shall take appropriate measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, which include at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and to contest the decision. If the data subject wishes to exercise rights relating to automated decisions, they may contact an employee of the controller responsible for processing at any time.
i) Right to withdraw consent to data protection
Every person affected by the processing of personal data has the right granted by European directives and regulations to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the data subject wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they may contact an employee of the controller at any time.
8. Data protection for applications and in the application process
The controller collects and processes the personal data of applicants for the purpose of handling the application process. Processing may also be carried out electronically. This is particularly the case if an applicant submits relevant application documents to the controller electronically, for example by email or via a web form on the website. If the controller concludes an employment contract with an applicant, the data transmitted will be stored for the purpose of processing the employment relationship in compliance with the statutory provisions. If the controller does not conclude an employment contract with the applicant, the application documents will be automatically deleted six months after notification of the rejection decision, provided that no other legitimate interests of the controller prevent deletion and no consent has been given for longer storage. Other legitimate interests in this sense include, for example, a burden of proof in proceedings under the General Equal Treatment Act (German abbreviation: AGG).
9. Legal basis for processing
Art. 6 I (a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company for processing operations in which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of other services or consideration, the processing is based on Art. 6 I (b) GDPR. The same applies to processing operations that are necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of enquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation that requires the processing of personal data, such as for the fulfilment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Art. 6 I (c) GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or the vital interests of another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were injured on our premises and their name, age, health insurance details or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital or other third party. In this case, the processing would be based on Art. 6 I (d) GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Art. 6 I (f) GDPR. Processing operations that are not covered by any of the above legal bases are based on this legal basis if the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not prevail. We are permitted to carry out such processing operations in particular because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this regard, the legislator took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47, sentence 2 GDPR).
10. Legitimate interests in processing pursued by the controller or a third party
If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the performance of our business activities.
11. Duration for which personal data is stored
The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of this period, the corresponding data will be routinely deleted, provided that it is no longer necessary for the fulfilment of the contract or for the initiation of a contract.
12. Legal or contractual requirements for the provision of personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; obligation of the data subjects to provide the personal data; possible consequences of non-provision
We hereby inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or may also result from contractual provisions (e.g. information on the contractual partner). In some cases, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data that we must subsequently process in order to conclude a contract. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company concludes a contract with them. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before providing personal data, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data and what consequences the non-provision of the personal data would have.
13. Existence of automated decision-making
As a responsible company, we refrain from automatic decision-making or profiling.
14. Right to object
You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.
The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
This privacy policy was created with the privacy policy generator of DGD Deutsche Gesellschaft für Datenschutz GmbH in cooperation with the media law firm WILDE BEUGER SOLMECKE.
(As of May 16th 2025)
