Cookie Policy

Last updated: April 16, 2026

1. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over time, so you don't have to keep re-entering them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.

2. Legal Framework

Under TTDSG § 25 and Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR, storing non-essential cookies on your device requires your consent. Cookies that are strictly necessary for the service you requested do not require consent. HelpfulCalculator uses both categories: essential cookies for core functionality and — only with your explicit consent — analytics cookies that help us understand how the site is used.

3. How We Use Cookies

HelpfulCalculator uses essential cookies required for core functionality and — with your explicit consent — analytics cookies:

  • Remember your language preference across visits
  • Store your calculation history locally in your browser (via localStorage, not cookies)
  • Ensure security and prevent abuse

4. Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary for the website to function. They are set in response to actions you take, such as selecting your language. Because they are essential, no consent is required under TTDSG § 25.

  • Language Preference (calc_lang): Remembers your selected language so pages load in your preferred locale on return visits. Expires in 1 year.

5. Third-Party Technologies

The following third-party services may process data when you use HelpfulCalculator:

  • Sentry (error tracking): Collects error reports to help us maintain a stable service. Does not set cookies.
  • Google Analytics 4 (analytics, consent-based): Sets cookies such as _ga and _ga_* to measure usage. Loaded only after you accept analytics cookies in the consent banner.
  • Vercel (hosting/CDN): Serves the website and may process server logs. Does not set tracking cookies.

6. Managing Cookies

You can configure your browser to reject cookies. The essential language-preference cookie (calc_lang) will still be needed for HelpfulCalculator to remember your language choice; disabling it means the site defaults to your browser's language on every visit. Analytics cookies are only set after you accept them in the consent banner and can be revoked at any time via the cookie-settings button in the footer.

Note: Most web browsers allow some control of cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.

7. Consent Management

When you first visit HelpfulCalculator, a cookie banner asks whether you accept analytics cookies. Google Analytics and any other non-essential cookies are loaded only if you click "Accept". If you click "Reject", only essential cookies are used. Your choice is stored locally and remembered across visits. You can withdraw your consent at any time — click "Cookie settings" in the footer and the banner will reappear so you can change your choice.

8. Cookie Retention

Retention periods for our cookies:

  • Session data: Cleared when you close your browser
  • Language preference cookie (calc_lang): 1 year
  • Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _ga_*): Up to 2 years — only set if you accept analytics cookies

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time in order to reflect changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please revisit this Cookie Policy regularly to stay informed about our use of cookies.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us through our website or support channels. For more information about our privacy practices, please see our Privacy Policy.