Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you visit our website, enquire about our German language courses or contact us.

We aim to handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable privacy laws.

By using our website, you acknowledge the information provided in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

When you contact GermanLearning or complete a course enquiry form, we may collect:

• Your full name
• Your email address
• Your telephone or WhatsApp number
• Your preferred German language course or level
• Your preferred lesson type (individual or group)
• Your preferred learning schedule
• Information about your learning goals or previous language experience
• Any additional information you voluntarily provide

Our website and hosting services may also collect basic technical information, such as your IP address, browser type and website usage data.

We collect personal information directly from you when you complete an enquiry form, send an email or contact us through WhatsApp or telephone.

3. How We Use Your Information

GermanLearning collects and processes personal information for legitimate business and educational purposes, including:

• Responding to course enquiries and questions
• Providing information about German language courses
• Discussing course availability, schedules and fees
• Assisting you in selecting an appropriate German language course
• Confirming course bookings and payment arrangements
• Communicating with prospective and existing students
• Providing educational services and customer support
• Maintaining the security and functionality of our website
• Complying with applicable legal obligations

We process personal information only where there is an appropriate lawful basis, such as consent, taking steps requested before entering an agreement, performing an agreement or pursuing a legitimate interest permitted by law.

We do not automatically subscribe course enquiry visitors to marketing newsletters.

4. Course Enquiries and Bookings

When you submit a course enquiry through our website, the information you provide is used to respond to your request.

Submitting an enquiry does not automatically confirm a course booking or require payment.

GermanLearning will contact you to discuss suitable course options, availability, fees, booking details and payment arrangements.

The name, email address and preferred course are required to process a standard course enquiry. Other information is generally optional unless indicated otherwise.

If you do not provide the required information, we may be unable to process your enquiry.

5. Sharing Your Personal Information

We may share personal information with trusted service providers where reasonably necessary to operate our website and provide our services.

These may include:

• Website hosting and technical support providers
• Email delivery and communication service providers
• Website security and maintenance services
• Other service providers involved in delivering our educational services, where applicable

These providers should process personal information only for authorised purposes and with appropriate confidentiality and security protections.

We may also disclose information where required by law or necessary to protect legal rights.

Some technical or communication service providers may process information outside South Africa. Where applicable, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that such processing and transfers comply with POPIA.

6. WhatsApp and External Websites

GermanLearning provides WhatsApp as an alternative method of communication.

If you contact us through WhatsApp, your communication may also be subject to WhatsApp's own privacy practices.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including external German language examination providers.

We are not responsible for the privacy policies or information-handling practices of third-party websites.

We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality, security and user experience.

If website analytics or other optional tracking services are enabled, additional information may be collected about how visitors interact with the website.

Where consent is required for optional cookies or tracking, we will request it through an appropriate mechanism.

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Some website features may not function correctly if essential cookies are disabled.

8. How We Protect Your Information

GermanLearning takes reasonable technical and organisational precautions to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

These measures may include access controls, website security measures, secure communication methods and limiting access to authorised persons.

Although we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic storage or transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

9. How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including managing enquiries, providing services, maintaining appropriate business records and meeting legal obligations.

When personal information is no longer required and no lawful reason for retaining it remains, we will take reasonable steps to delete, destroy or de-identify it securely.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Under POPIA, you may have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of personal information where permitted by law
• Object to certain processing of your personal information
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, subject to applicable legal limitations
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

To exercise any applicable privacy right, please contact us using the details below.

We may need to verify your identity before responding to certain requests.

11. Children's Personal Information

Where personal information relating to a child is provided to GermanLearning, we will handle it in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Where required, consent must be obtained from a parent, guardian or other legally authorised person before processing a child's personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

GermanLearning may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our services, website functionality, information-handling practices or applicable legal requirements.

Any updates will be published on this page, together with the revised date.

We encourage visitors to review this policy periodically.

13. Contact GermanLearning

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact:

14. Information Regulator — South Africa

If you believe your personal information has been processed unlawfully or your privacy rights have been infringed, you may contact the Information Regulator of South Africa.