Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2024
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our German language courses for beginners website and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you register for our German language courses, create an account, or interact with our services. This may include:
- Full name and contact information (email address, phone number)
- Demographic information (age, location, language preferences)
- Educational background and German language proficiency level
- Payment information for course enrollment
- Learning preferences and goals
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information through cookies and similar technologies:
- IP address and browser information
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring website and search terms used
- Course progress and learning analytics
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following legitimate purposes:
Educational Services
- Providing access to German language courses and learning materials
- Tracking your learning progress and customizing course content
- Sending course updates, assignments, and educational resources
- Facilitating communication between students and instructors
Service Improvement
- Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
- Developing new courses and features based on user feedback
- Conducting research to enhance our teaching methodologies
- Troubleshooting technical issues and providing customer support
Communication
- Sending important notifications about your courses and account
- Providing customer support and responding to inquiries
- Sending promotional materials about new courses (with your consent)
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)
Under the GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our educational services
- Legitimate Interest: Improving our services and website functionality
- Consent: Marketing communications and optional features
- Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- With trusted service providers who assist in delivering our services (payment processors, hosting providers)
- When required by law or to protect our legal rights
- In case of business transfer or merger (with prior notification)
- With your explicit consent for specific purposes
5. Your Rights Under GDPR
As a data subject, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Portability
- Right to access your personal data and receive a copy
- Right to data portability in a structured, machine-readable format
Correction and Deletion
- Right to rectify inaccurate or incomplete personal data
- Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten") under certain circumstances
- Right to restrict processing of your personal data
Objection and Withdrawal
- Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to withdraw consent at any time for consent-based processing
- Right to opt-out of direct marketing communications
6. Data Security and Retention
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers with regular security updates
- Access controls and employee training on data protection
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Data Retention: We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. Course data and progress records are typically retained for educational continuity purposes.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
8. International Data Transfers
If we transfer your personal data outside the European Economic Area, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions by the European Commission.
9. Children's Privacy
Our services are designed for learners aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental consent.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes through our website or direct communication.
Questions or Concerns: If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer through the contact methods provided on our website. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.