Ethics Policy
We conduct our business with unwavering honesty, transparency, and a commitment to fairness. Our goal is to be a reliable and responsible corporate citizen. This Code serves as our compass for navigating complex situations and ensuring that our actions always align with our values and the trust placed in us by our readers, employees, and business partners.
Our operations are firmly rooted in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations within Germany and the European Union. This includes, but is not limited to, rules concerning competition, advertising standards, data protection (GDPR), copyright, and employment rights. We are proactive in staying informed of legal changes to ensure our continuous compliance.
To maintain the trust of our audience, all employees must actively avoid situations that could lead to a conflict of interest, or even the appearance of one. Personal interests or external relationships must not influence our editorial or business decisions. Any potential conflict would need to be proactively shared with management so that it can be addressed transparently.
Protecting our users’ data is a non-negotiable priority. We adhere strictly to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that any personal data we process is handled in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner. We believe in empowering our users with control over their information, as outlined in our publicly available Privacy Policy.
We are dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and heard. A diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success and enriches the content we create for our international audience. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all decisions based on merit and qualifications, and are committed to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
We pledge to create a user experience that is transparent, accessible, and respectful. We strictly prohibit the use of “dark patterns” or any manipulative design tactics intended to mislead or pressure users. Our website design and functionality are built to serve the user’s best interests, not to exploit them.
Our company’s assets—including our intellectual property, financial records, strategic plans, and user data—are critical to our mission. All employees are responsible for protecting these assets from theft, misuse, or unauthorized disclosure. Maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of this information is a core duty.
We foster a culture where team members are encouraged to raise concerns about potential ethical or legal violations without fear of retaliation. We are committed to investigating all good-faith reports promptly and fairly. This principle of accountability is essential for maintaining our integrity and allows us to address issues proactively.
Our Guiding Principles
Our primary allegiance is to you. We are committed to serving your best interests by creating content that is genuinely helpful, accurate, and addresses the real-world challenges of living in Germany.
Our editorial content is and will always remain independent. Our recommendations and ratings are based on objective research and firsthand experience, free from the influence of our affiliate partners or advertisers.
We are open about how we make money. We clearly disclose our affiliate relationships and identify any sponsored content, allowing you to distinguish between editorial and promotional material at all times.
We are committed to the highest standards of accuracy. If we make a mistake, we will acknowledge it and correct it promptly and transparently, in line with our Corrections Policy.
We serve a diverse, international community. We are committed to treating all topics and individuals with respect and ensuring our content is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.