1. What are cookies?
A cookie is a small text and number file that we store in your browser or on the hard drive of your computer. This allows us to remember your preferences when using our website (e.g. language selection or login information). The cookies we use on this website are secure and meant to make your visit as pleasant as possible, and they enable us to optimise the website. We anonymise the data we collect through the cookies as much as possible. Without your prior permission, we only place cookies that are required to ensure the website functions properly. We ask your permission in advance for all other cookies.
2. Types of cookies
Our cookies can be divided according to their origin, their function and their lifespan.
First-party cookies are those cookies that are placed by a website that is currently being visited by the user.
Third-party cookies are cookies that are placed by a different domain name than that of the website being visited by the user. If a user visits a website and a third party places a cookie through that website, then this is a third-party cookie (e.g. cookies placed by Google, Twitter, Facebook and Hotjar).
Strictly necessary cookies are cookies that do not store any personally identifiable information, but they are essential for the website to function properly and, therefore, cannot be disabled. They serve, for example, to provide services the user has requested, including being able to complete online forms or to save products in the shopping basket.
Functional cookies are cookies that ensure that the website can offer additional functions and personal settings (e.g. language preferences). They can be installed by us or external suppliers.
Performance cookies enable the website to count visitor numbers and where they are from. They can also check which pages of the website you visit, where your computer is located, etc. This allows for analysing and improving the website.
Advertising cookies make it possible to build up a profile based on your surfing behaviour. We can then tailor the displayed advertisements to your interests. These cookies track how many and which advertisements are shown to a user. These can be first-party or third-party cookies.
Permanent cookies: These cookies remain on the user’s device for the duration determined in the cookie. They are activated every time the user visits the website that has placed this cookie (e.g. cookies placed by social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Google Analytics, etc.). Most performance and advertising cookies are permanent cookies.
Session cookies: These cookies allow us to simplify the actions of a user and to link them together during a browser session. A browser session starts when a user opens the browser window and ends when they close the browser window. Session cookies are placed temporarily. As soon as you close the browser, all session cookies are deleted. Most functional cookies are session cookies
3. Managing cookies and preferences
During your first visit to our website, we ask you to accept our cookies. After this, you can manage your preferences at any time. You can change your preferences by clicking the ‘Cookie Preferences’ link that you will find on every web page.
Furthermore, we point out that web browsers allow you to change your cookie settings. These settings can be found in the ‘Options’ or ‘Preferences’ menu of your web browser. To better understand these settings, the following links can be useful. If not, you should consult the ‘Help’ function in your web browser for more details.
Cookie settings in Internet Explorer
Cookie settings in Firefox
Cookie settings in Chrome
Cookie settings in Safari
4. Which cookies are used on this platform?
Strictly necessary cookies
Strictly necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies and they can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.
