Privacy Information and Cookies

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

Unless otherwise stated, we process your personal data as a visitor to our website (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Data Subject’) in order to be able to make available and provide you with a functional and visitor-friendly website as well as our content and services.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

Legal basis for the processing of personal data
To the extent that we obtain the consent of the Data Subject for personal data processing operations, Article 6 (1) lit. a. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.

Article 6 (1) lit. b. GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing the personal data required for the performance of a contract to which the Data Subject is party. This is also the case for the processing operations required for carrying out pre-contractual measures.

To the extent that the processing of personal data is required for compliance with a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Article 6 (1) lit. c. GDPR serves as the legal basis.

If the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, and if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the Data Subject do not outweigh the former interest, Article 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

3. Data erasure and storage period

The personal data of the Data Subject shall be erased or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies.

Data may be stored beyond this period if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other regulations to which the Controller is subject. The data shall also be blocked or erased once a storage period prescribed by the standards mentioned expires, unless there is a need for further storage of the data to enter into or perform a contract.

1. Description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the accessing computer system.

The following data are collected in this regard:

• date and time of the request;
• name of the requested file;
• page from which the file was requested;
• access status (transfer file, file not found, etc.);
• web browser and operating system used;
• complete IP address of the requesting computer;
• volume of data transmitted.

The data are also stored in our system’s log files. These data are not stored together with the visitor’s other personal data.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Article 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary in order to deliver the website to the visitor's computer. For this purpose, the visitor’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.

Storage in log files takes place to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, we use the data to optimise the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. An evaluation of the data for marketing purposes does not take place in this context.

These purposes also form the basis for our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Article 6 (1) lit. f GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be erased as soon as they are no longer required to achieve the purpose for which they were collected. In the case of data collection for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended. If the data are stored in log files, this is the case after thirty days at the latest.

1. Description and scope of data processing

Contact forms are provided on our website that can be used to contact us electronically. If a visitor makes use of this option, the data entered in the input mask shall be transmitted to us and stored.

Alternatively, you can contact us using the email addresses provided. In this case, the visitor’s personal data transmitted with the email shall be stored.

2. Legal basis for data processing

If your contact via the contact form aims to enter into or perform a contract, the legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 (1) lit. b GDPR.

The legal basis for the processing of the data is Art. 6 (1) lit. a. GDPR if the visitor has given their consent, otherwise it is our legitimate interest (Art. 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR).

3. Purpose of the data processing

The processing of personal data from the input mask serves solely to enable us to process the communication. In the case of contact by email, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.

The other personal data processed during the sending process serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Disclosure to third parties

If we are not the right contact partner for the respective enquiry (e.g. for the specific product requested), we shall forward the enquiry with the data provided to the respective Kärcher Group company for response. 

The respective company shall then answer your enquiry, if necessary.

5. Duration of storage

The data shall be erased 180 days after transmission.

The personal data additionally collected during the sending process shall be erased after a period of seven days at the latest.

In order to carry out the application process, the personal data you provide will be processed and used in pursuant to Article 6 lit. b. GDPR and Section 26 (1) German Federal Data Protection Act [Bundesdatenschutzgesetz, BDSG].

Kärcher is supported in the job application process by interpool Personal GmbH, Berliner Allee 24, 13088 Berlin, Germany, which receives the data of the applicant as part of the application process.

1. Description and scope of data processing

Our website uses cookies. A cookie is a small data package (text file) that your browser stores on your device at the instruction of a website you have visited in order to ‘remember’ information about you, such as your language preferences or login information.

We distinguish between the following categories of cookies:

• strictly necessary cookies;
• performance cookies;
• functional cookies;
• marketing cookies.

When accessing our website, the visitor is informed about the use of cookies, and their consent to the processing of the personal data used in this context is obtained.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using strictly necessary cookies is Article 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using other cookies is Article 6 (1) lit. a. GDPR if the visitor has granted their consent.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The purpose of using the respective cookies results from the Cookie Policy.

4. Duration of storage

The storage period for the respective cookies results from the Cookie Policy. 

5. Possibility of objection

You can object to the use of cookies – with the exception of strictly necessary cookies – at any time via the cookie settings in the Cookie Policy.

Adobe Analytics

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses Adobe Analytics – a web analytics service provided by Adobe Systems Software Ireland Limited, 4–6 Riverwalk, City West Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland (‘Adobe’).

Adobe Analytics uses cookies that are stored on your computer and enable your use of the website to be analysed. If the information generated by the cookie about the use of the website is transmitted to an Adobe server, then the settings ensure that the IP address is anonymised before geolocation and is replaced by a generic IP address prior to storage. On behalf of the operator of this website, Adobe will use this information to evaluate the use of the website by users in order to compile reports on website activity and to provide the website operator with other services relating to website activity and Internet usage. The IP address transmitted by your browser as part of the Adobe Analytics process will not be merged with other Adobe data. You can prevent cookies from being stored by adjusting the appropriate settings in your browser software. Please note, however, that doing so may prevent you from being able to fully use all the features of this website.

2. Legal basis for data processing

Adobe Analytics cookies are stored on the basis of the visitor’s consent (Art. 6 (1) lit. a. GDPR).

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

You can set your browser to notify you when a cookie is placed, to only permit cookies in individual cases, to exclude the use of cookies generally or in specific cases, and even to activate automatic erasure of cookies when you close your browser. Deactivating cookies may restrict the functionality of this website.

You can further prevent Adobe from collecting the information generated by the cookie and the data relating to your usage of the website (including your IP address), as well as the processing of such data by Adobe, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available on the following link.

4. Third-party information

For further information about Adobe Analytics, see Adobe's data protection provisions: http://www.adobe.com/de/privacy/opt-out.html

Integration of media data through Cliplister

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses interfaces to the services of Cliplister GmbH, Schauenburgerstrasse 116, 24114 Kiel, Germany (‘Cliplister’).

Cliplister is a professional enterprise cloud infrastructure from Germany for the organisation, processing and distribution of media data such as images, videos, audio, PDFs or 3D content. The content is stored on Cliplister and integrated into our website and can be played or accessed directly from our website.

If you access a corresponding website of our offering, we establish a connection to Cliplister via web interfaces in order to provide you with such content in the best possible way. Here, your IP address and device-specific information are transmitted to Cliplister for the purpose of optimal and legally secure presentation of the content, and recorded by Cliplister in an encrypted and anonymised form.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The use is based on our legitimate interests, i.e. interest in the secure and efficient provision of media data in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR.

3. Third-party information
For more information about advertising technology, see Cliplister's data protection provisions: https://cliplister.com/datenschutz/

Google Maps

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses Google Maps to provide map services (including route planning, etc.). The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Google Maps is a service that enables map services such as route planning, viewing satellite images and other actions such as searching for bars, public buildings, sights, etc. For more information about Google Maps features, please visit: https://support.google.com/maps/
The data you transmit for the purpose of using these map services shall be stored on Google LLC servers in the US. Google Ireland Limited has entered into a contract with Google LLC in accordance with standard contractual clauses (https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/). 

2. Legal basis for data processing

The use is based on our legitimate interests, i.e. interest in the user-friendly provision of a map service in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR.

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

In principle, data are erased as soon as the purpose for which they were collected has been fulfilled. We do not store any user data in connection with Google Maps. Third-party providers may collect data in connection with the use of the plug-ins. You can obtain more detailed information regarding the duration of storage on the respective provider's website in their data protection section.

4. Third-party information

For more information about Google Maps, please see the Google Maps Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de

reCAPTCHA Google

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses ‘Google reCAPTCHA’ (hereinafter referred to as ‘reCAPTCHA’) from Google. reCAPTCHA is used to check whether the data entered on our website (e.g. in a contact form) are entered by a human or by an automated program. To do this, reCAPTCHA analyses the behaviour of the website visitor based on various characteristics. This analysis begins automatically as soon as the website visitor enters the website. For analysis, reCAPTCHA evaluates various information (e.g. IP address, time spent on the website by the visitor or mouse movements made by the user). The data collected during the analysis are forwarded to Google.

2. Legal basis for data processing 

Data processing is carried out on the basis of point Art. 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in protecting its websites from abusive automated spying and from spam.

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

If you do not want any data to be transmitted to Google, you must completely log out of Google and erase all Google cookies before visiting our website or using the reCAPTCHA software. The data are, in principle, automatically transmitted to Google as soon as you visit our site. In order to erase these data again, you must contact Google Support at https://support.google.com/?hl=de&tid=231579508952.

4. Third-party information 

For more information about Google reCAPTCHA and Google’s Privacy Policy, please visit the following links: https://www.google.com/intl/de/policies/privacy/ and https://www.google.com/recaptcha/intro/android.html.

Google Ads Conversions and Google Remarketing

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses the online advertising program Google Adwords from Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street Dublin 4, Ireland (“Google”).

As part of Google AdWords, we use what is known as conversion tracking. When you click on an ad placed by Google, a cookie is set for conversion tracking. Cookies are small text files that the Internet browser stores on the user's computer. These cookies lose their validity after 30 days and are not used to personally identify the user. If the user visits certain pages of this website and the cookie has not yet expired, Google and we can recognize that the user clicked on the ad and was redirected to this page.

Each Google AdWords customer receives a different cookie. The cookies cannot be tracked via the websites of AdWords customers. The information collected using the conversion cookie is used to generate conversion statistics for AdWords customers who have opted for conversion tracking. Customers are told the total number of users who clicked on their ad and were redirected to a page with a conversion tracking tag. However, they do not receive any information that can be used to personally identify users. If you do not wish to participate in tracking, you can object to this use by easily deactivating the Google Conversion Tracking cookie via your Internet browser under user settings. You will then not be included in the conversion tracking statistics.

2. Legal basis for data processing

This data processing takes place on the basis of the visitor's consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). 

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general and activate the automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. If cookies are deactivated, the functionality of this website may be restricted.

4. Third-party information

You can find more information about Google AdWords and Google Conversion Tracking in Google's privacy policy: https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/.

Retargeting / usage analysis via Google

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses the Google Remarketing function from Google.

This function is used to track the behavior of site visitors after they have been redirected to the Kärcher website by clicking on a Google ad. This allows future advertising measures to be optimized.

We also use the pixel method for this purpose. The pixel is used to mark visitors to our website and then target them with advertising for Kärcher products when they search Google again. The pixel uses cookies to identify the user. According to its own information, Google does not collect any personal data during this process.

2. Legal basis for data processing

This data processing takes place on the basis of the visitor's consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR).

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general and activate the automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. If cookies are deactivated, the functionality of this website may be restricted.

If you do not want your anonymous statistical data to be used for ad control, you can make the necessary settings via the following link: https://adssettings.google.com/. Alternatively, you can deactivate the use of cookies for interest-based advertising via the advertising network initiative by following the instructions at http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp.

4. Third-party information

You can find more information about Google AdWords and Google Conversion Tracking in Google's privacy policy: https://www.google.de/policies/privacy/.

Retargeting / usage analysis via Facebook and Instagram 

1. Description, purpose and scope of data processing

Our website uses conversion measurement, the visitor action pixel of Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland (“Meta”). 

This allows the behavior of site visitors to be tracked after they have been redirected to the provider's website by clicking on an advertisement on Facebook or Instagram. This allows the effectiveness of Facebook ads to be evaluated for statistical and market research purposes and future advertising measures to be optimized.

The data collected is anonymous for us as the operator of this website; we cannot draw any conclusions about the identity of the users. However, the data is stored and processed by Meta so that a connection to the respective user profile is possible and Meta can use the data for its own advertising purposes, in accordance with Meta's privacy policy. This allows Meta to enable advertisements to be placed on Facebook or Instagram pages as well as outside of the platforms. We as website operators cannot influence this use of data.

As far as personal data is collected on our website with the help of the conversion measurement described here and forwarded to Meta, we and Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland are jointly responsible for this data processing (Art. 26 GDPR). The joint responsibility is limited exclusively to the collection of the data and its transfer to Meta. The processing that takes place after the forwarding by Meta is not part of the joint responsibility. The obligations that we share have been recorded in an agreement on joint processing. You can find the text of the agreement at: https://www.facebook.com/legal/controller_addendum. According to this agreement, we are responsible for providing data protection information when using the Meta tool and for the data protection-compliant implementation of the tool on our website. Meta is responsible for the data security of the Meta products. Data subject rights (e.g. requests for information) regarding the data processed by Facebook or Instagram can be asserted directly with Meta. If you assert data subject rights with us, we are obliged to forward them to Meta.

According to Meta, the collected data may also be transferred to third countries (e.g. USA). Any data transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission as stated by Meta. You can find details here: https://www.facebook.com/legal/EU_data_transfer_addendum and https://de-de.facebook.com/help/566994660333381. In addition, Meta Platforms Inc has a certification under the "EU-US Data Privacy Framework" (DPF). The DPF is an agreement between the European Union and the USA that aims to ensure compliance with European data protection standards in data processing in the USA. Every company certified under the DPF commits to adhere to these data protection standards. For more information, you can contact the provider at the following link: https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/participant/4452.

2. Legal basis for data processing

This data processing is based on the visitor's consent (Art. 6 Attachment kit a) GDPR and Section 25 Attachment kit TDDDG).

3. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general and activate the automatic deletion of cookies when you close the browser. If cookies are deactivated, the functionality of this website may be limited.

You can also deactivate the “Custom Audiences” remarketing function in the Ad Settings section at https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/?entry_product=ad_settings_screen. To do this, you must be logged in to the platform.

If you do not have a Facebook or Instagram account, you can opt out of Meta's usage-based advertising on the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance website at: http://www.youronlinechoices.com/de/praferenzmanagement/

4. Third-party information

More information about advertising technology can be found in Meta's privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/

1. Description and scope of data processing

We maintain publicly accessible profiles on social networks. The individual social networks we use can be found below and in our overview.

We use these channels to be visible to our customers and to inform them about current news and promotions or to present our products. You can also get in touch with us easily via our social media channels.

Social networks such as Instagram, Facebook etc. can generally analyze user behavior comprehensively (e.g. using cookies) when you visit their website. This processing is carried out by the respective platform operators. We have no influence on the type and scope of this processing. Information on the scope and purpose of this processing and your rights to protect your data can be found in the data protection notices of the respective platform listed below.

Insofar as data processing in the context of the provision and use of our social media channels is carried out on the basis of joint responsibility pursuant to Art. 26 para. 1 GDPR by and the respective service provider, we have concluded an agreement with the service provider between jointly responsible parties in accordance with the legal requirements. You can view these agreements here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms/page_controller_addendum

LinkedIN: https://legal.linkedin.com/pages-joint-controller-addendum

2. Legal basis for data processing

If your request to us is related to the fulfillment of a contract or the implementation of pre-contractual measures, the processing is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR. In all other cases, processing is carried out on the basis of our legitimate interests in responding to your inquiries in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f) GDPR.

If you have consented to the processing of data by the respective provider (e.g. through the cookie consent tool), the data will be processed by the respective provider on the basis of your consent in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.

3. Purpose of the data processing

If you contact us via our social media channels (e.g. by direct message or via the comment function), this is done on a voluntary basis. We process the data transmitted by you to process the request. 

4. Duration of storage

The data processed by us will be deleted 180 days after transmission. The additional personal data collected during the sending process will be deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

Information on the duration of the data processed by the providers can be found in the providers' data protection information below.

If you are registered or logged in to the respective online service using a personal user account and would like to prevent the service provider from being able to link your visit to our social media channel to your personal user account, you can log out of the online service and delete the cookies on your device and close and restart your browser.

If you have consented to the processing of data by the respective provider, you can revoke this consent at any time (e.g. via the cookie consent tool).

5. Information from the providers

a) LinkedIn

Provider: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
Information on the scope, purposes and duration of data processing by LinkedIn and your rights in this regard to protect your data can be found in LinkedIn's privacy policy: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy

b) Facebook

Provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland

Information on the scope, purposes and duration of data processing by Facebook and your rights in this regard to protect your data can be found in Facebook's privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy

c) Instagram

Provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland

Information on the scope, purposes and duration of data processing by Facebook and your rights in this regard to protect your data can be found in Facebook's privacy policy: https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy

d) YouTube

Provider: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland

Information on the scope, purposes and duration of data processing by YouTube and your rights in this regard to protect your data can be found in YouTube's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en

In addition to the cases explicitly mentioned in this Privacy Policy, your personal data shall only be passed on without your prior express consent if such is legally permissible or required.

If necessary in order to investigate the illegal or abusive use of the website or for legal prosecution, personal data shall be forwarded to the law enforcement authorities or other public authorities and, if necessary, to the third parties which have suffered damage. However, this will only happen if there are indications of illegal or abusive conduct. We are also legally obligated to provide information to certain public bodies upon request. These may be criminal prosecution authorities, public authorities that prosecute administrative offences subject to fines, and the financial authorities.

Any transfer of personal data is justified by the fact that (1) the processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to transfer data to law enforcement authorities to which we are subject in accordance with Article 6 (1) lit. c. GDPR in conjunction with national legal requirements, or (2) we have a legitimate interest in passing the data on to the named third parties if there are indications of abusive conduct or to enforce legal claims, and your rights and interests in the protection of your personal data within the meaning of Article 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR do not prevail.

Third-party companies and external service providers are used to enable us to offer the services on this website. Under Article 28 (1) GDPR, any third-party companies and external service providers used as processors are carefully selected, regularly reviewed and contractually obligated to process all personal data exclusively in accordance with our instructions.

Unless otherwise stated, data shall only be transferred to offices in countries outside of the European Union (so-called third countries) if:

• an adequate level of data protection is ensured; or
• you have given your consent.

1. General technical and organisational measures:

Kärcher has taken a variety of security measures to protect personal information appropriately and adequately. All data stored by Kärcher are protected by physical and technical measures as well as procedural measures that restrict access to the information to specially authorised persons in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Our websites sit behind a software firewall to prevent access from other networks that are connected to the Internet. In addition, the only employees that have access to personal information are those who require it to perform a specific task. These employees are trained in security and data protection practices and treat your information confidentially.

2. Secure data transmission

The transfer of your personal data in the course of an order being processed in the online shop is done so under encryption using the industry-standard Secure Socket Layer ('SSL') technology, SSL encryption version 3.

1. Right to information:

Pursuant to Article 15 GDPR, you can request information on your personal data that we process.

2. Right to object:

You have the right to object for good cause (see Section 8).

3. Right to rectification:

If information concerning you is not (or is no longer) correct, you can request rectification pursuant to Article 16 GDPR. If your data are incomplete, you can request to have the data completed.

4.  Right to erasure:

You can request the erasure of your personal data pursuant to Article 17 GDPR.

5. Right to restriction of processing:

According to Article 18 GDPR, you have the right to request a restriction of processing of your personal data.

6. Right to lodge a complaint:

If you believe that the processing of your personal
data violates data protection law, you have the right under Article 77 (1) GDPR to lodge a complaint with a data protection supervisory authority of your choice, or with the data protection supervisory authority that is responsible for the controller.

7. Right to data portability:

In the event that the requirements of Article 20 (1) GDPR are met, you have the right to have data that we process automatically on the basis of your consent or in performance of a contract handed over to you or to third parties.

8. Right to object pursuant to Article 21 (1) GDPR:

You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation,
at any time to the processing of your personal data pursuant to Article 6 (1) lit. f. GDPR. The controller shall then cease processing the personal data unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the Data Subject, or if the processing takes place for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.