diff --git a/.agents/TODO.md b/.agents/TODO.md
index 953b718..2e7c01c 100644
--- a/.agents/TODO.md
+++ b/.agents/TODO.md
@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@ Dieses Dokument enthält den aktuellen Entwicklungsstand und detaillierte Aufgab
   - Fullscreen Overlay-Navigation (`LiquidOverlayMenu` & `SlideUpTextHover`)
   - Geschmeidiges Scrollverhalten (`LenisSmoothScroll` & `IndexSectionIndicator`)
   - Layout-Raster (`FloemaLayoutGrid`) & Premium-Buttons
-- [x] **Phase 2: Authentifizierung & Firebase Integration**
-  - Firebase-Projekt Setup & Anbindung
-  - Newsletter-System (Firebase Firestore)
-  - Benutzerprofile (Registrierung, Login, Favoriten)
+- [x] **Phase 2: Profil & Personalisierung (lokal)**
+  - Ernährungsziel & Favoriten im Browser (`fc-local.js`)
+  - Newsletter per Mailto
+  - Profilseite `login.php`
 - [x] **Phase 3: Nährwerte & Rezepterweiterung**
   - Datenmodell & Admin.php Erweiterung
   - Visuelles Nährwert-Widget (Floema-Präzision)
@@ -28,6 +28,10 @@ Dieses Dokument enthält den aktuellen Entwicklungsstand und detaillierte Aufgab
   - Touch-Swipe-Karussell direkt auf index.php (unter Landing-Page)
   - Filteralgorithmus nach Benutzer-Ernährungszielen
   - Mikro-Animationen & Quick-Save Funktion
+- [x] **Phase 6: PostgreSQL Datenbank**
+  - `DATABASE_URL` in `.env`, Docker Compose für lokale Dev-DB
+  - `init_db()` / `save_recipes()` in `helpers.php`
+  - Fallback auf `data/recipes.json`
 
 ---
 
@@ -60,26 +64,17 @@ Das visuelle Fundament der Website. Die Etablierung des Premium-Designs stellt s
 
 ---
 
-### 🔒 Phase 2: Authentifizierung & Firebase Integration
-Das Fundament für Personalisierung und Newsletter-Abos über eine sichere Firebase-Anbindung (Auth & Firestore).
+### 🔒 Phase 2: Profil & Personalisierung (lokal)
+Favoriten, Ernährungsziel und Newsletter ohne Cloud-Backend.
 
-- [x] **Firebase Setup & Initialisierung**
-  - [x] Firebase SDK Client-Side Einbindung in `partials/head.php` or separaten Helper
-  - [x] Firebase Config in umweltabhängigen Settings/Variablen auslagern
-  - [x] Firestore-Datenbank initialisieren (`subscribers` und `users` Collections)
-- [x] **Premium Login- & Registrierungsseite**
-  - [x] Erstellung der Seite `login.php` (und optional `signup.php`) im neuen Design-System-Stil
-  - [x] Firebase Authentication (Email/Passwort Login & Registrierung) implementieren
-  - [x] Responsive UI mit sanften Error- & Success-Meldungen und Eingabefeldern im Glasmorphismus-Look
-  - [x] Client-seitige und Server-seitige Session-Synchronisation (z.B. Firebase Session Tokens an PHP-Session via Ajax senden)
+- [x] **Profilseite `login.php`**
+  - [x] Ernährungsziel wählen und in `localStorage` speichern (`fc-local.js`)
+  - [x] Gespeicherte Favoriten anzeigen
 - [x] **Favoriten-Funktion (Rezept-Bookmarks)**
-  - [x] Firestore-Collection `user_favorites` anlegen (Format: `userId` -> Liste von `recipeSlugs`)
-  - [x] "Rezept speichern" Button (Herz-Icon) auf den Rezeptkarten und Rezept-Details mit dynamischem Login-Check
-  - [x] Mikro-Animationen für das Herz-Icon (Scale up/down, Fülleffekte mit `var(--ease-overshoot)`)
-- [x] **Firebase-gestütztes Newsletter-Abo**
-  - [x] Newsletter-Eingabefeld im Footer (`partials/footer.php`) implementieren
-  - [x] AJAX-Submit-Handler: E-Mail-Adresse prüfen und in Firestore Collection `subscribers` speichern
-  - [x] Elegantes Feedback-UI (Erfolgsmeldung ohne Page-Reload)
+  - [x] Herz-Icon auf Karten, Speicherung in `localStorage`
+  - [x] Mikro-Animationen für das Herz-Icon
+- [x] **Newsletter**
+  - [x] Footer-Formular mit `mailto:`-Weiterleitung
 
 ---
 
@@ -106,7 +101,7 @@ Jedes Rezept erhält präzise Makronährstoffe (Kalorien, Proteine, Kohlenhydrat
 Ein immersiver Kochmodus, der Anwendern Schritt-für-Schritt durch die Zubereitung führt – inklusive Videoanleitungen und integrierten Timern.
 
 - [x] **Video-Verknüpfung im Admin-Panel**
-  - [x] Rezeptstruktur in `data/recipes.json` erweitern, damit jeder Arbeitsschritt (`steps`) eine optionale `video_url` (MP4 aus Firebase Storage oder extern) besitzen kann
+  - [x] Rezeptstruktur in `data/recipes.json` erweitern, damit jeder Arbeitsschritt (`steps`) eine optionale `video_url` (externe MP4-URL) besitzen kann
   - [x] `admin.php` erweitern, um Video-URLs pro Einzelschritt einzugeben
 - [x] **Fullscreen Cooking-Mode Overlay**
   - [x] Trigger-Button "Kochmodus starten" (`CapitoliumRevealButton` Stil) auf `recipe.php` einbauen
@@ -128,16 +123,28 @@ Ein hochgradig interaktives, touch-freundliches Karussell direkt auf der Startse
   - [x] CSS-Klammern (`clamp()`) für responsive Skalierung der Karten
   - [x] Flüssiges Einblenden per Scroll-Reveal (`reveal-target`) mit Anbindung an `LenisSmoothScroll`
 - [x] **Personalisiertes Goal-Matching**
-  - [x] Falls der Benutzer eingeloggt ist, sein Ernährungsziel aus den Firebase-Profildaten abrufen
+  - [x] Ernährungsziel aus `localStorage` (`fc-local.js`) für Karussell-Filter
   - [x] Rezepte dynamisch filtern (z.B. High-Protein Rezepte bei Ziel "Muskelaufbau", Low-Carb Rezepte bei Ziel "Abnehmen")
   - [x] Personalisierte "Für dich empfohlen"-Badge auf den Karten anzeigen
 - [x] **Mikro-Interaktionen & Quick-Save**
   - [x] Touch-Gesten-Unterstützung (Wischen zum Blättern mit sanftem Trägheits-Feedback)
-  - [x] Quick-Save Button direkt auf den Karussell-Karten (Herzeffekt mit direktem Firebase Firestore Sync)
+  - [x] Quick-Save Button direkt auf den Karussell-Karten (Herzeffekt, `localStorage`)
   - [x] Hover-Reveal-Effekte für Rezeptdetails (Zutaten-Vorschau oder Kochzeit-Highlight schiebt sich weich hoch)
 
 ---
 
+### 🔥 Phase 6: PostgreSQL Datenbank
+Rezepte in Postgres (JSONB), optional lokal per Docker.
+
+- [x] **`DATABASE_URL` & Docker Compose**
+  - [x] `docker-compose.dev.yml` für lokale Postgres-Instanz
+  - [x] `init_db()` legt Tabelle `recipes` an und seedet aus `recipes.json`
+- [x] **PHP-Datenzugriff**
+  - [x] `load_recipes()` / `save_recipes()` mit JSON-Fallback
+  - [x] `load_recipe_by_slug()` in `recipe.php`
+
+---
+
 ## 📈 Status-Legende
 - `[ ]` Noch nicht begonnen
 - `[/]` In Bearbeitung
diff --git a/.agents/brain.md b/.agents/brain.md
index 5ae699f..9011b1e 100644
--- a/.agents/brain.md
+++ b/.agents/brain.md
@@ -1,37 +1,131 @@
 # FlixCooks Project Brain
 
-This document summarizes the architectural knowledge, conventions, and learnings accumulated during our session.
+This document summarizes architectural knowledge, conventions, and learnings for humans and AI agents working on this repo.
 
 ## 1. Project Architecture & Stack
-- **Backend:** Vanilla PHP. The project intentionally avoids heavy frameworks.
-- **Database:** Flat-file JSON database (`data/recipes.json`). Data is loaded and saved via utility functions in `helpers.php`.
-- **Admin Panel (`admin.php`):** Acts as a lightweight CMS. It uses simple textareas where each line maps to an array element (e.g., for `ingredients`, `steps`, `step_videos`, `step_timers`). This keeps the JSON structure clean and parsing straightforward.
-- **Frontend:** Server-rendered PHP templates (`index.php`, `recipe.php`) with Vanilla JavaScript and Vanilla CSS. No Tailwind or heavy component libraries.
+- **Backend:** Vanilla PHP. No heavy frameworks.
+- **Database:** PostgreSQL required (`DATABASE_URL` in `.env`). Normalized tables in `scripts/schema.sql`; `load_recipes()` / `save_recipe()` in `helpers.php`. No runtime JSON recipe file. One-time import: `php scripts/db-seed.php` from `data/recipes.json`.
+- **Site settings (legal pages):** Flat-file `data/site.json` via `load_site_settings()` / `save_site_settings()` — not in Postgres.
+- **Admin Panel (`admin.php`):** Lightweight CMS. Textareas use one line per array element (`ingredients`, `steps`, `step_videos`, `step_timers`).
+- **Frontend:** Server-rendered PHP (`index.php`, `recipe.php`, …), Vanilla JS/CSS. Profile/favorites via `assets/fc-local.js`.
+- **Config:** `config.php` loads `.env`, `get_db_connection()`. Never commit `.env` (see `.gitignore`).
 
 ## 2. Design & Aesthetics
-- **CSS:** Highly customized CSS with modern design tokens (e.g., `var(--ease-out-expo)`, `var(--surface-1)`).
-- **Animations:** Employs sophisticated micro-animations, glassmorphism (`backdrop-filter: blur`), and dynamic layouts (e.g., `clip-path` for overlays).
-- **Smooth Scrolling:** Uses **Lenis** (`LenisSmoothScroll`). 
-  - *Crucial Rule:* Whenever a fullscreen overlay (like the Cooking Mode) is opened, `lenis.stop()` must be called to prevent background scrolling. When closed, call `lenis.start()`.
-- **Preloader:** A custom `CapitoliumPreloader` runs on the homepage. It is cached in `sessionStorage('flixcooks_preloader_seen')` so it only fires once per browsing session.
+- **CSS:** Custom properties (`var(--ease-out-expo)`, `var(--surface-1)`), glassmorphism, `FloemaLayoutGrid`.
+- **Lenis:** Call `lenis.stop()` when opening fullscreen overlays (e.g. Cooking Mode); `lenis.start()` on close.
+- **Preloader:** `CapitoliumPreloader` on homepage; once per session via `sessionStorage('flixcooks_preloader_seen')`.
 
 ## 3. Antigravity Agent Configuration
-- **Workspace Rules:** Best placed in `.agents/rules/` (e.g., `AGENT.md`). To ensure they are always active, the frontmatter must include:
-  ```yaml
-  always_on: true
-  glob: "*"
-  ```
-- **Custom Skills:** Can be defined as JSON files in `.agents/skills/`. We successfully created `close_feature.json` to automate the Git workflow of checking out `main`, merging a feature branch, verifying functionality, and deleting the branch.
+- **Workspace Rules:** `.agents/rules/` with `always_on: true` and `glob: "*"` in frontmatter.
+- **Custom Skills:** `.agents/skills/` (e.g. `close_feature.json` for Git merge workflow).
 
 ## 4. GitHub Actions & CI/CD
-- **Gemini Code Review Automation:** We integrated `petarzarkov/gemini-code-review-action` to automatically review PRs.
-  - **Secrets:** Must be passed using `env:` instead of `with:` (e.g., `GEMINI_API_KEY`, `GITHUB_TOKEN`), otherwise the action fails with unexpected input errors. NEVER hardcode API keys in workflow files.
-  - **Model Naming:** Google's `v1beta` API is very strict. `gemini-1.5-flash` often fails. You must use the fully-qualified name like `gemini-1.5-flash-latest` or `gemini-2.0-flash-lite`.
-  - **Pinning Versions:** Always pin GitHub Actions to a specific version tag (e.g., `@v1.0.4`) rather than `@latest` to prevent unexpected breaking changes.
+- **Gemini PR review:** `petarzarkov/gemini-code-review-action`; secrets via `env:` not `with:`; pin action versions; use full model names (e.g. `gemini-2.0-flash-lite`).
 
-## 5. Completed Milestones
-- **Phase 3 (Nutrition):** Implemented. Recipes now store `calories`, `protein`, `carbs`, and `fat`. Admin panel handles inputs, and the UI displays them beautifully.
-- **Phase 4 (Interactive Cooking Mode):** Implemented. Recipes now support step-by-step looping background videos and interactive timers (`step_videos`, `step_timers`). The UI utilizes a fullscreen overlay slider with Vanilla JS logic.
+---
 
-## 6. Next Steps
-According to `TODO.md`, the next major feature block is **Phase 5 (PWA & Offline Support)**, which involves service workers, manifest files, and enabling the app to be installable on mobile devices.
+## 5. PostgreSQL — Schema & Data Flow
+
+### Relational schema (`scripts/schema.sql`)
+Created by `ensure_recipe_schema()` on first DB use. Legacy JSONB `recipes.data` is migrated once automatically.
+
+| Table | Role |
+|-------|------|
+| `recipes` | slug, hero, times, servings, nutrition columns, featured, coming_soon |
+| `recipe_translations` | title, description, category, difficulty (en/de) |
+| `recipe_tags`, `recipe_ingredients`, `recipe_utensils`, `recipe_steps` | Ordered lists per language |
+
+PHP still exposes the same nested arrays (`i18n`, `nutrition`, …) via `hydrate_recipes_from_db()`.
+
+### Runtime flow
+1. `DATABASE_URL` required → `require_database()` or HTTP 503 (`maintenance/db-unavailable.php`).
+2. `load_recipes()` → SQL → PHP arrays for templates.
+3. Admin: `save_recipe()`, `delete_recipe()`, `clear_featured_recipes()`.
+4. One-time import: `php scripts/db-seed.php` from `data/recipes.json` (not read at runtime).
+
+### `config.php` functions
+- `load_env()` — parses `.env`.
+- `get_db_connection()` — PDO or `null`.
+- `DatabaseUnavailableException` — thrown when DB is required but missing.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Local Development — Docker Postgres
+
+### Files
+- `docker-compose.dev.yml` — Postgres 16 Alpine, container `flixcooks-postgres-dev`, port `5432`.
+- `.env.example` — template including local `DATABASE_URL`.
+- `scripts/db-check.php` — CLI: connect, `init_db()`, print recipe count + sample slugs/titles.
+
+### Docker credentials (dev only)
+```
+POSTGRES_USER=flixcooks
+POSTGRES_PASSWORD=flixcooks_dev
+POSTGRES_DB=flixcooks_dev
+DATABASE_URL="postgresql://flixcooks:flixcooks_dev@127.0.0.1:5432/flixcooks_dev"
+```
+
+### Commands
+```bash
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d    # start
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml ps       # health
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml down     # stop (data kept)
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml down -v  # stop + wipe volume → re-seed on next hit
+
+docker exec -it flixcooks-postgres-dev psql -U flixcooks -d flixcooks_dev
+# psql: \dt , \d recipes , SELECT slug FROM recipes; , \q
+```
+
+### PHP requirements (WSL/Linux)
+- Extension **`php-pgsql`** (or `php8.5-pgsql`) required; without it the site cannot connect.
+- Install interactively: `sudo apt install php8.5-pgsql` (sudo in non-interactive agent shells may timeout).
+- Verify: `php -m | grep pgsql` → expect `pdo_pgsql`, `pgsql`.
+
+### App server
+```bash
+php -S localhost:8000
+php scripts/db-check.php   # after .env + pgsql OK
+```
+
+### `.env` rules for agents
+- Copy from `.env.example`; never commit `.env`.
+- **Local:** use `127.0.0.1` Docker URL above.
+- **`DATABASE_URL` is mandatory** for recipe pages; omitting it shows the DB unavailable page.
+
+### Environment separation (important)
+- One database per environment (local Docker / staging / production).
+- Never point a dev branch `.env` at production Postgres.
+- Export/import between envs: `pg_dump` / `psql` when needed; document URLs in hosting secrets, not in repo.
+
+---
+
+## 7. Troubleshooting (known issues)
+
+| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
+|--------|--------|-----|
+| HTTP 503, database unavailable | No `DATABASE_URL` or Postgres down | Fix `.env`, start Docker, `php scripts/db-check.php` |
+| Log: `could not find driver` | `php-pgsql` not installed | `sudo apt install php8.5-pgsql` |
+| DB OK but 0 recipes | Empty tables | `php scripts/db-seed.php` |
+
+---
+
+## 8. Completed Milestones
+- **Phase 3 (Nutrition):** `calories`, `protein`, `carbs`, `fat` on recipes; admin + UI.
+- **Phase 4 (Cooking Mode):** `step_videos`, `step_timers`; fullscreen overlay.
+- **Phase 6 (Postgres):** Normalized SQL tables; `db-seed.php`; no runtime JSON recipes.
+- **Local dev Postgres:** `docker-compose.dev.yml`, README section, `scripts/db-check.php`, `.env.example` with `DATABASE_URL`.
+- **Local profile data:** Favorites/goals via `assets/fc-local.js` (`localStorage`). Newsletter via `mailto:`.
+
+## 9. Next Steps
+See `.agents/TODO.md` (e.g. PWA & offline support). README `Local Postgres (Docker)` and `Postgres in diesem Projekt` sections mirror setup for humans.
+
+## 10. Key file map (data layer)
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `config.php` | `.env`, Firebase config, PDO |
+| `helpers.php` | `init_db`, `load_recipes`, `save_recipes`, site settings |
+| `data/recipes.json` | Seed + fallback + admin backup |
+| `data/site.json` | Imprint/privacy settings |
+| `docker-compose.dev.yml` | Local Postgres |
+| `scripts/db-check.php` | Connection + seed smoke test |
+| `partials/head.php` | Firebase init via `get_firebase_config()` |
diff --git a/.cursor/plans/coolify_react_cms_stack_ea69bc7d.plan.md b/.cursor/plans/coolify_react_cms_stack_ea69bc7d.plan.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0d7bc5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.cursor/plans/coolify_react_cms_stack_ea69bc7d.plan.md
@@ -0,0 +1,324 @@
+---
+name: Coolify React CMS Stack
+overview: "Empfohlener Standard-Stack: Next.js (React) + Payload CMS (self-hosted) + PostgreSQL, alles als Docker-Images über GitHub → Coolify. Cursor/MCP für die Entwicklung, GitHub Actions für Qualitätssicherung vor dem Deploy."
+todos:
+  - id: scaffold-monorepo
+    content: "Greenfield-Monorepo anlegen: apps/web (Next standalone), apps/cms (Payload), packages/shared-types"
+    status: pending
+  - id: docker-coolify
+    content: "Dockerfiles, docker-compose.yml, docs/COOLIFY.md (3 Services: Postgres, CMS, Web) nach FlixCooks-Muster"
+    status: pending
+  - id: cms-content-model
+    content: Payload Collections + Webhooks für On-Demand Revalidation; Env-Beispiele in .env.example
+    status: pending
+  - id: github-ci
+    content: "GitHub Actions: lint, typecheck, build, docker build smoke; branch protection auf main"
+    status: pending
+  - id: mcp-agents
+    content: .cursor/mcp.json + .agents/brain.md mit Stack-, Env- und Deploy-Regeln für KI
+    status: pending
+  - id: animation-baseline
+    content: "GSAP/Lenis/Framer-Baseline-Komponenten und Regel: Overlays stoppen Lenis"
+    status: pending
+isProject: false
+---
+
+# Tech-Stack & Workflow: React-Sites, CMS, Docker, Coolify
+
+## Empfehlung (Default)
+
+Du bist unsicher bei CMS und Frontend – hier ist ein **bewährtes Default**, das zu deinen Vorgaben passt (React, Animationen, Docker, Coolify, KI/MCP, CI):
+
+| Schicht | Technologie | Warum |
+|---------|-------------|--------|
+| **Frontend** | [Next.js 15](https://nextjs.org) (App Router, TypeScript) | SEO/SSR/ISR, React-Ökosystem, `output: 'standalone'` für ein schlankes Production-Docker-Image |
+| **Animationen** | GSAP (+ ScrollTrigger), Framer Motion, Lenis | GSAP für Scroll/Timeline-Premium-Feel; Framer für UI-Micro-Interactions; Lenis kennst du bereits aus FlixCooks |
+| **CMS** | [Payload CMS 3](https://payloadcms.com) (eigener Container) | TypeScript, Postgres-native, Admin-UI out of the box, Docker-freundlich, passt zu Coolify wie dein aktuelles Postgres-Setup |
+| **Datenbank** | PostgreSQL 16 (Coolify Database Service) | Eine Instanz, getrennte DBs/User für CMS vs. App optional |
+| **Runtime / Deploy** | Docker + [Coolify](https://coolify.io) | Git-Webhook → Build → Traefik/HTTPS; du hast das Muster schon in [docs/COOLIFY.md](docs/COOLIFY.md) |
+| **Lokale Dev** | `docker compose` (Web + CMS + Postgres) | Parität zu Production, wie [docker-compose.yml](docker-compose.yml) bei FlixCooks |
+| **KI-Entwicklung** | Cursor + MCP-Server | Repo-Kontext, GitHub, Docs, optional DB |
+| **CI** | GitHub Actions | Lint, Types, Build, Docker-Smoke, optional E2E; PR-Review wie [.github/workflows/gemini-pr-review.yml](.github/workflows/gemini-pr-review.yml) |
+
+**Alternative Frontend:** Vite + React SPA + nginx-Image – maximal frei für reine Animation-Landingpages, aber schlechteres SEO und kein ISR ohne Extra-Aufwand. **Alternative CMS (weniger Ops):** Sanity/Contentful (Cloud) – nur Frontend-Container auf Coolify. **Alternative CMS (kein Backend):** Tina/Decap + Markdown im Repo – gut für Blogs, schwächer für Redakteur:innen ohne Git.
+
+---
+
+## Zielarchitektur auf Coolify
+
+```mermaid
+flowchart TB
+  subgraph dev [Entwicklung]
+    Cursor[Cursor + MCP]
+    LocalCompose[docker compose]
+    Cursor --> LocalCompose
+  end
+
+  subgraph github [GitHub]
+    Repo[Monorepo]
+    GHA[GitHub Actions CI]
+    Repo --> GHA
+  end
+
+  subgraph coolify [Coolify Server]
+    PG[(PostgreSQL)]
+    CMS[Payload CMS Container]
+    WEB[Next.js Container]
+    Traefik[Traefik HTTPS]
+    PG --> CMS
+    CMS -->|REST/GraphQL| WEB
+    Traefik --> WEB
+    Traefik --> CMS
+  end
+
+  dev -->|push main| Repo
+  GHA -->|grüner Build| Repo
+  Repo -->|Webhook Deploy| coolify
+```
+
+**Drei Coolify-Ressourcen** (analog zu deinem FlixCooks-Setup: Postgres + App):
+
+1. **PostgreSQL** – internal URL, nicht öffentlich
+2. **CMS-App** – Dockerfile aus `apps/cms`, Port z. B. 3001, Env: `DATABASE_URL`, `PAYLOAD_SECRET`
+3. **Web-App** – Dockerfile aus `apps/web`, Port 3000, Env: `CMS_URL` (internal), `REVALIDATE_SECRET` für On-Demand-ISR
+
+Persistenz: Postgres-Volume (Inhalte), optional Volume für CMS-Uploads (`/app/media`).
+
+---
+
+## Repository-Struktur (Greenfield-Vorlage)
+
+Ein Repo pro „Site-Familie“ oder Monorepo für mehrere Marken:
+
+```
+my-site/
+├── apps/
+│   ├── web/                 # Next.js
+│   │   ├── Dockerfile
+│   │   ├── src/
+│   │   └── next.config.ts   # output: 'standalone'
+│   └── cms/                 # Payload
+│       ├── Dockerfile
+│       └── payload.config.ts
+├── packages/
+│   └── shared-types/        # optional: gemeinsame TS-Typen CMS ↔ Web
+├── docker-compose.yml         # lokaler Prod-Parität-Stack
+├── docker-compose.dev.yml     # nur Postgres (wie bei FlixCooks)
+├── .github/workflows/
+│   ├── ci.yml
+│   └── gemini-pr-review.yml   # optional, aus FlixCooks übernehmen
+├── .cursor/
+│   └── mcp.json               # MCP-Server für das Team
+├── .agents/
+│   ├── brain.md               # Architektur für KI (Pattern aus FlixCooks)
+│   └── rules/AGENT.md
+└── docs/
+    └── COOLIFY.md
+```
+
+---
+
+## Frontend-Stack (React + Animationen)
+
+**Kern:**
+
+- **Next.js App Router** – Seiten in `app/`, Server Components für CMS-Daten, Client Components nur für Animation/Interaktion
+- **TypeScript** – strikt; Typen aus Payload generieren (`payload generate:types`)
+- **Styling** – CSS Modules oder Tailwind (nur wenn du es willst; FlixCooks bleibt bei Vanilla CSS – für neue React-Sites ist Tailwind optional, nicht Pflicht)
+
+**Animation-Toolkit:**
+
+| Tool | Einsatz |
+|------|---------|
+| **GSAP + ScrollTrigger** | Hero-Sequences, pinned Sections, komplexe Timelines |
+| **Framer Motion** | Hover, Page-Transitions, modale UI |
+| **Lenis** | Smooth Scroll (wie FlixCooks: bei Overlays `lenis.stop()`) |
+| **(optional) @react-three/fiber** | 3D-Hero nur wenn nötig |
+
+**CMS-Anbindung im Web:**
+
+- **Build-Zeit (SSG):** `generateStaticParams` + Fetch von Payload REST für Marketing-Seiten
+- **On-Demand Revalidation:** Payload-Webhook → `POST /api/revalidate?secret=...` in Next.js (Inhalt ändert sich ohne Full-Redeploy)
+- **Preview:** Draft-Modus mit Payload Preview-URL + Next `draftMode()`
+
+Env im Web-Container (Coolify):
+
+- `CMS_URL=http://payload-service:3001` (internal hostname)
+- `REVALIDATE_SECRET`, `NEXT_PUBLIC_SITE_URL`
+
+---
+
+## CMS-Stack (Payload auf Coolify)
+
+**Warum Payload als Default:** Self-hosted, eine Postgres-URL, Admin unter `/admin`, Collections/Blocks für Seitenmodule, Media-Uploads, Webhooks – alles containerisierbar.
+
+**Coolify Env (CMS):**
+
+- `DATABASE_URL` – internal Postgres URL (gleiches Muster wie [docs/COOLIFY.md](docs/COOLIFY.md) Zeilen 33–43)
+- `PAYLOAD_SECRET` – langer Zufallswert (nur Secrets, nie ins Repo)
+- `NEXT_PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` – öffentliche CMS-URL (für Admin-Assets)
+
+**Erstes Deployment:** analog FlixCooks `RUN_DB_SEED` – einmalig Migration/Seed, danach Flag entfernen.
+
+**Sicherheit:** CMS-Admin nur über HTTPS; CORS auf Web-Domain beschränken; API-Keys für Preview/Revalidate nur als Secrets.
+
+---
+
+## Docker-Images
+
+### Web (`apps/web/Dockerfile`) – Next standalone
+
+Mehrstufig: `node:22-alpine` → `npm ci` → `npm run build` → Runtime nur `.next/standalone` + `static` + `public`.
+
+- `EXPOSE 3000`
+- `HEALTHCHECK` auf `/api/health` (kleine Route: `{ "status": "ok" }`)
+- Coolify: Port **3000**, Health Path `/api/health`
+
+### CMS (`apps/cms/Dockerfile`)
+
+Payload-Official-Pattern oder Node-Image mit `npm run build && npm run start`.
+
+- `HEALTHCHECK` auf CMS-Health-Endpoint
+- Volume für `/app/media` (Uploads überleben Redeploy)
+
+### Lokales Parität-Compose
+
+Orientierung an deinem bestehenden [docker-compose.yml](docker-compose.yml):
+
+- `postgres` mit `healthcheck`
+- `cms` `depends_on: postgres: service_healthy`
+- `web` `depends_on: cms` + `DATABASE_URL` nur wenn Web eigene DB braucht (meist nicht – nur CMS nutzt DB)
+
+Entrypoint-Pattern von [docker/entrypoint.sh](docker/entrypoint.sh) übernehmen: **DB warten → Migration → dann Prozess starten**.
+
+---
+
+## Coolify-Workflow (End-to-End)
+
+```mermaid
+sequenceDiagram
+  participant Dev as Developer
+  participant GH as GitHub
+  participant GHA as GitHub Actions
+  participant CF as Coolify
+  participant Web as Next Container
+  participant CMS as Payload Container
+
+  Dev->>GH: push feature branch
+  Dev->>GH: open PR
+  GHA->>GHA: lint typecheck build docker
+  GHA-->>Dev: PR checks green
+  Dev->>GH: merge to main
+  GH->>CF: webhook deploy
+  CF->>CF: build CMS image
+  CF->>CF: build Web image
+  CF->>Web: rolling update
+  CMS->>Web: optional revalidate webhook
+```
+
+**Coolify-Konfiguration pro App:**
+
+| Setting | Web | CMS |
+|---------|-----|-----|
+| Build Pack | Dockerfile | Dockerfile |
+| Branch | `main` | `main` |
+| Port | 3000 | 3001 |
+| Health | `/api/health` | `/api/health` oder Payload-Default |
+| Secrets | `REVALIDATE_SECRET`, `CMS_URL` | `DATABASE_URL`, `PAYLOAD_SECRET` |
+
+**Checkliste Erstdeploy** (aus [docs/COOLIFY.md](docs/COOLIFY.md) übertragbar):
+
+1. Postgres healthy, internal URL notieren  
+2. CMS deployen, Admin anlegen, Collections seeden  
+3. Web deployen mit internal `CMS_URL`  
+4. Domain + HTTPS (Traefik)  
+5. Webhook Payload → Next Revalidate testen  
+6. `RUN_DB_SEED` / Migration-Flags wieder aus  
+
+---
+
+## GitHub Actions (CI vor Coolify)
+
+**Workflow `ci.yml`** (bei jedem PR + push auf `main`):
+
+1. **checkout**
+2. **Node 22** + Cache (`apps/web`, `apps/cms`)
+3. **Parallel jobs oder Matrix:**
+   - `npm run lint` (ESLint)
+   - `npm run typecheck` (`tsc --noEmit`)
+   - `npm run build` (Web + CMS)
+4. **Docker build test** (ohne Push):
+   - `docker build -f apps/web/Dockerfile apps/web`
+   - `docker build -f apps/cms/Dockerfile apps/cms`
+5. **(optional) Playwright** gegen `docker compose up` – Smoke: Startseite, eine CMS-Seite, Health endpoints
+6. **(optional) PR Review** – bestehendes Gemini-Workflow aus FlixCooks wiederverwenden
+
+**Branch-Schutz:** `main` nur mit grünen Required Checks mergebar.
+
+Coolify deployt **nach** Merge – CI blockiert kaputte Images, Coolify baut das echte Production-Image (oder du pushst zu GHCR – für den Start reicht Coolify-eigener Build).
+
+---
+
+## KI-gestützte Entwicklung mit MCP
+
+**Cursor `mcp.json` (Team-Standard):**
+
+| MCP | Zweck |
+|-----|--------|
+| **GitHub** | Issues, PRs, Actions-Logs aus dem Chat |
+| **Context7** (oder Fetch) | Aktuelle Next.js / Payload / GSAP-Docs |
+| **Postgres** (optional, nur Dev) | Content/Debugging – nie Production-Credentials im Repo |
+| **Filesystem** | Standard in Cursor |
+
+**Projekt-Wissen für Agenten** (aus FlixCooks übernehmen):
+
+- [.agents/brain.md](.agents/brain.md) – Architektur, Env-Regeln, Coolify-Hosts  
+- [.agents/rules/AGENT.md](.agents/rules/AGENT.md) – Commit/PR/TODO-Konventionen  
+- `docs/COOLIFY.md` – Deploy-Runbook pro Projekt  
+
+**Typischer KI-Workflow:**
+
+1. Ticket/Issue in GitHub (MCP)  
+2. Feature-Branch; Agent ändert `apps/web` + Payload-Collection  
+3. `docker compose up` lokal; Agent nutzt Health-URLs  
+4. PR → CI grün → Gemini-Review optional  
+5. Merge → Coolify  
+
+---
+
+## Entwickler-Alltag (Kurzablauf)
+
+1. `cp .env.example .env` – lokale URLs  
+2. `docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d` (nur Postgres) **oder** volles `docker compose up`  
+3. `npm run dev` in `apps/web` und `apps/cms` (schneller Hot Reload) **oder** alles in Containern  
+4. In Payload Inhalte pflegen → Webhook triggert Revalidate  
+5. `git push` → PR → CI → merge → Coolify rebuild  
+
+---
+
+## Bezug zu FlixCooks (dieses Repo)
+
+FlixCooks ist heute **Vanilla PHP + Postgres + eingebautes `admin.php`-CMS** – kein React. Das ist ein **paralleler Stack**, kein Widerspruch:
+
+| Aspekt | FlixCooks (aktuell) | Neuer React-Stack |
+|--------|---------------------|-------------------|
+| Frontend | PHP-Templates | Next.js + React |
+| CMS | `admin.php` | Payload (Container) |
+| DB | Postgres | Postgres |
+| Deploy | [Dockerfile](Dockerfile) + [COOLIFY.md](docs/COOLIFY.md) | gleiches Muster, zwei App-Services |
+| Animationen | Lenis, Vanilla CSS | Lenis + GSAP + Framer |
+
+Du kannst FlixCooks auf Coolify weiterbetreiben und **neue Projekte** im Monorepo-Template starten. Eine spätere Migration FlixCooks → Next wäre ein separates Projekt (Content-Export aus Postgres/JSON → Payload-Collections).
+
+---
+
+## Nächste konkrete Schritte (nach Plan-Freigabe)
+
+1. **Greenfield-Repo** aus der Struktur oben scaffolden (oder `create-payload-app` + Next in Monorepo).  
+2. **Minimale Collections** in Payload: `pages`, `recipes` (oder `projects`), `siteSettings`, Media.  
+3. **Dockerfiles + compose** + `docs/COOLIFY.md` vom FlixCooks-Muster kopieren/adaptieren.  
+4. **GitHub Actions `ci.yml`** anlegen.  
+5. **Coolify:** Postgres → CMS → Web → Webhook Revalidate testen.  
+6. **`.cursor/mcp.json` + `.agents/brain.md`** für das neue Repo.
+
+Wenn du willst, kann im nächsten Schritt ein **konkretes Starter-Repo** (Dateien + minimale Hero-Animation + eine Payload-Collection) direkt in einem neuen Ordner oder Branch angelegt werden.
diff --git a/.dockerignore b/.dockerignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..88018b8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.dockerignore
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+.git
+.github
+.agents
+.env
+.env.*
+!.env.example
+docker-compose.dev.yml
+docker-compose.yml
+terminals
+*.md
+!README.md
+.cursor
diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index 810ca3e..8ec31d8 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
-# FlixCooks Firebase Configuration
-# Replace these placeholder values with your actual Firebase project settings.
+# FlixCooks – lokale Entwicklung (.env wird nicht committed)
+# Kopieren: cp .env.example .env
 
-FIREBASE_API_KEY="AIzaSyYourApiKeyHere"
-FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN="flixcooks-your-project-id.firebaseapp.com"
-FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID="flixcooks-your-project-id"
-FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET="flixcooks-your-project-id.appspot.com"
-FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID="123456789012"
-FIREBASE_APP_ID="1:123456789012:web:abcdef123456"
+# --- Postgres (Pflicht für die Website) ---
+# Lokal: docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d
+DATABASE_URL="postgresql://flixcooks:flixcooks_dev@127.0.0.1:5432/flixcooks_dev"
+
+# --- Production / Coolify (im Dashboard setzen, nicht committen) ---
+# DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:pass@postgresql-service:5432/flixcooks"
+# FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY="langes-zufaelliges-passwort"
+# RUN_DB_SEED="true"   # nur beim allerersten Deploy, danach entfernen
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
index dfe0770..f7e2def 100644
--- a/.gitattributes
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -1,2 +1,2 @@
-# Auto detect text files and perform LF normalization
-* text=auto
+* text=auto eol=lf
+*.sh text eol=lf
diff --git a/.htaccess b/.htaccess
deleted file mode 100644
index f96c3a6..0000000
--- a/.htaccess
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-#KONSOLEH AREA START - PLEASE DO NOT EDIT MANUALLY BETWEEN THESE LINES
-DirectoryIndex index.php
-#KONSOLEH AREA END - PLEASE ADD MANUAL CHANGES BELOW
-SetEnv FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY "vFDH.N_tVLEKNdR3fhLs"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Dockerfile b/Dockerfile
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32682a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Dockerfile
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+# FlixCooks – Production image (Coolify / any Docker host)
+FROM php:8.3-apache-bookworm
+
+RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends \
+        libpq-dev \
+    && docker-php-ext-install pdo_pgsql \
+    && a2enmod rewrite headers \
+    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+
+# Apache: document root, no per-directory overrides in production
+ENV APACHE_DOCUMENT_ROOT=/var/www/html
+RUN sed -ri 's!/var/www/html!${APACHE_DOCUMENT_ROOT}!g' /etc/apache2/sites-available/*.conf \
+    && sed -ri 's!/var/www/!${APACHE_DOCUMENT_ROOT}!g' /etc/apache2/apache2.conf /etc/apache2/conf-available/*.conf \
+    && printf '%s\n' \
+        '<Directory /var/www/html>' \
+        '    AllowOverride None' \
+        '    Require all granted' \
+        '</Directory>' \
+        > /etc/apache2/conf-available/flixcooks.conf \
+    && a2enconf flixcooks
+
+WORKDIR /var/www/html
+
+COPY --chown=www-data:www-data . /var/www/html
+
+RUN sed -i 's/\r$//' /var/www/html/docker/entrypoint.sh \
+    && chmod +x /var/www/html/docker/entrypoint.sh \
+    && mkdir -p /var/www/html/data \
+    && chown -R www-data:www-data /var/www/html/data
+
+EXPOSE 80
+
+HEALTHCHECK --interval=30s --timeout=5s --start-period=40s --retries=3 \
+    CMD php /var/www/html/health.php >/dev/null || exit 1
+
+ENTRYPOINT ["/var/www/html/docker/entrypoint.sh"]
+CMD ["apache2-foreground"]
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9c2bb3b..3cb670b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -13,13 +13,14 @@ The project is architected to remain extremely lightweight and fast, intentional
   - `index.php`: The atmospheric landing page showcasing featured recipe selections, introducing the brand, and housing the **Sleek Swipe Discovery Carousel**.
   - `recipe.php`: The immersive recipe detail page, featuring floating macro-nutrition widgets, interactive ingredients lists, and the fullscreen **Step-by-Step Cooking Mode**.
   - `admin.php`: A custom, lightweight CMS/admin dashboard allowing full CRUD capabilities over the recipe database, dynamic ingredient line parsing, cooking timers, and video URL associations.
-  - `login.php` & `register.php`: Fully responsive, glassmorphic auth portals powered by Firebase.
+  - `login.php`: Local profile page for dietary goals and saved favorites (browser storage).
 - **Support & Layouts**:
   - `partials/`: Contains modular templates (`head.php`, `header.php`, `footer.php`) to maintain a clean DRY structure.
-  - `helpers.php`: Core PHP utilities containing data formatting helpers and the data access layer for the flat-file database.
+  - `helpers.php`: Core PHP utilities and the PostgreSQL data access layer for recipes.
   - `config.php`: Environment-independent configuration loader which reads runtime secrets from `.env`.
-  - `api/`: Lightweight, stateless backend endpoints supporting AJAX operations (e.g., newsletter subscriptions, bookmarks, recommendation queries).
-  - `data/`: Houses `recipes.json`, our flat-file recipe database.
+  - `assets/fc-local.js`: Browser-side storage for favorites and dietary goals.
+  - `data/recipes.json`: Optional seed file only (`php scripts/db-seed.php`), not used at runtime.
+  - `scripts/schema.sql`: Relational table definitions for recipes.
 
 ---
 
@@ -36,13 +37,9 @@ FlixCooks uses a modern, carefully curated vanilla tech-stack focused on lightni
 
 ### ⚙️ Backend & Data
 - **Engine**: Vanilla PHP.
-- **Database**: Flat-file JSON database (`data/recipes.json`), allowing lightning-quick load times and simple structural schemas without heavy overhead.
+- **Database**: PostgreSQL only. `DATABASE_URL` is required; without a working DB connection the site returns HTTP 503.
 - **Environment**: Custom `.env` variable parser integrated into PHP bootstrap.
 
-### 🔒 Integrations & Cloud Services
-- **Firebase Authentication**: Client and server-side synchronized user sessions for profile management.
-- **Firebase Firestore**: Real-time database managing newsletter subscribers and user bookmarks/favorites lists.
-
 ---
 
 ## 🚀 Local Development Setup
@@ -51,7 +48,8 @@ Follow these simple steps to spin up the local development environment.
 
 ### Prerequisites
 Make sure you have the following installed on your local machine:
-- **PHP** (v7.4 or higher recommended)
+- **PHP** (8.x recommended) with the **pgsql** extension (`php-pgsql` on Linux/WSL)
+- **Docker** (for local Postgres via `docker-compose.dev.yml`)
 - A modern web browser
 
 ### 1. Set Up Environment Variables
@@ -59,14 +57,63 @@ Make sure you have the following installed on your local machine:
    ```bash
    cp .env.example .env
    ```
-2. Open `.env` and fill in your actual **Firebase project settings** (API keys, project identifier, authentication domain, etc.):
-   ```env
-   FIREBASE_API_KEY="AIzaSyYourApiKeyHere"
-   FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN="flixcooks-your-project-id.firebaseapp.com"
-   ...
-   ```
+2. Set **`DATABASE_URL`** in `.env` (required). See [Local Postgres (Docker)](#local-postgres-docker) below.
+3. Seed recipes once: `php scripts/db-seed.php` (imports `data/recipes.json` into SQL tables).
 
-### 2. Start the Development Server
+### 2. Local Postgres (Docker)
+
+Für DB-Integration auf einem Dev-Branch – getrennt von Production.
+
+```bash
+# Container starten
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d
+
+# Warten bis healthy (einmalig prüfen)
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml ps
+```
+
+In `.env` (Werte passen zu `docker-compose.dev.yml`):
+
+```env
+DATABASE_URL="postgresql://flixcooks:flixcooks_dev@127.0.0.1:5432/flixcooks_dev"
+```
+
+**PHP-Extension (WSL/Ubuntu, einmalig):**
+
+```bash
+sudo apt install php-pgsql
+# oder passend zur Version: sudo apt install php8.5-pgsql
+```
+
+**Datenbank-Shell (zum Lernen / Inspizieren):**
+
+```bash
+docker exec -it flixcooks-postgres-dev psql -U flixcooks -d flixcooks_dev
+```
+
+Nützliche SQL-Befehle in `psql`:
+
+```sql
+\dt                          -- alle Tabellen
+\d recipes                   -- Spalten der Tabelle recipes
+SELECT slug, created_at FROM recipes;
+SELECT slug, data->>'title' AS title FROM recipes, jsonb_to_record(data) AS x(title text);  -- optional
+\q                           -- beenden
+```
+
+**DB komplett leeren und neu seeden:**
+
+```bash
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml down -v
+docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d
+php scripts/db-seed.php
+```
+
+**Verbindung prüfen:** `php scripts/db-check.php`
+
+Details zum Schema: Abschnitt unten und `scripts/schema.sql`.
+
+### 3. Start the Development Server
 
 #### Option A: PHP Built-in Web Server (Recommended & Easiest)
 You do not need to install complex local servers like Apache or Nginx. Simply run the following command in the root folder of the project:
@@ -78,14 +125,50 @@ Then, open your browser and navigate to:
 http://localhost:8000
 ```
 
-#### Option B: Local Apache Environments (XAMPP / MAMP / WAMP)
+#### Option B: Local Apache (XAMPP / MAMP / WAMP)
 If you prefer running a full local stack:
 1. Move or link the project directory inside your local server's document root (e.g., `htdocs` or `www`).
-2. Ensure URL rewriting is enabled (the included `.htaccess` file handles caching and custom redirections).
+2. Configure the virtual host or Apache server config to use `DirectoryIndex index.php`; this repo does not rely on `.htaccess` overrides.
 3. Access the site via your custom local virtual host (e.g., `http://localhost/flixcooks-website`).
 
 ---
 
+## 🗄️ Postgres in diesem Projekt (Kurzüberblick)
+
+Rezepte liegen in **normalisierten SQL-Tabellen** (kein JSONB-Blob, kein Laufzeit-Fallback auf Dateien):
+
+| Tabelle | Inhalt |
+|---------|--------|
+| `recipes` | Slug, Zeiten, Hero-URL, Nährwerte, `featured`, `coming_soon` |
+| `recipe_translations` | Titel, Beschreibung, Kategorie, Schwierigkeit (EN/DE) |
+| `recipe_tags` | Tags pro Sprache |
+| `recipe_ingredients` | Zutatenzeilen |
+| `recipe_utensils` | Werkzeugzeilen |
+| `recipe_steps` | Schritte inkl. Video-URL und Timer |
+
+Schema: `scripts/schema.sql`. PHP baut daraus dieselben Arrays wie früher (`i18n.en`, `nutrition`, …), damit Templates unverändert bleiben.
+
+**Ablauf:**
+
+1. `DATABASE_URL` in `.env` → Verbindung über `config.php`.
+2. Beim ersten Request: Tabellen anlegen (`ensure_recipe_schema()`). Alte JSONB-Tabelle wird einmalig migriert.
+3. `load_recipes()` liest per SQL; ohne DB → HTTP 503 (`maintenance/db-unavailable.php`).
+4. Admin: `save_recipe()` / `delete_recipe()` – direkt in die Tabellen.
+
+**Einmalig Daten laden:** `php scripts/db-seed.php` (aus `data/recipes.json`).
+
+Für **Staging/Production** nur `DATABASE_URL` in der Hosting-Umgebung setzen – nie Production-Daten in der lokalen Dev-DB mischen.
+
+### Docker / Coolify
+
+Production-Image: `Dockerfile` im Repo-Root. Ausführliche Schritte: [docs/COOLIFY.md](docs/COOLIFY.md).
+
+```bash
+docker compose build && docker compose up -d   # lokal testen → http://127.0.0.1:8080
+```
+
+---
+
 ## 📈 Development Tracking & Progress
 All current development tasks, features, and roadmaps are actively tracked and updated in the project’s [.agents/TODO.md](file:///.agents/TODO.md) file.
 Architectural learnings, conventions, and configuration updates are maintained in the central knowledge base: [.agents/brain.md](file:///.agents/brain.md).
diff --git a/admin.php b/admin.php
index 1902a51..b07411a 100644
--- a/admin.php
+++ b/admin.php
@@ -2,9 +2,36 @@
 session_start();
 require __DIR__ . '/helpers.php';
 
-$ADMIN_KEY = getenv('FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY') ?: 'vFDH.N_tVLEKNdR3fhLs';
+$ADMIN_KEY = getenv('FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY') ?: '';
 $authed = isset($_SESSION['fc_admin']) && $_SESSION['fc_admin'] === true;
 
+if ($ADMIN_KEY === '') {
+    http_response_code(503);
+    ?>
+    <!doctype html>
+    <html lang="en">
+    <head>
+      <meta charset="UTF-8">
+      <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+      <title>FlixCooks Admin Unavailable</title>
+      <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/style.css">
+      <style>
+        body { display: grid; place-items: center; min-height: 100vh; }
+        .login-card { background: #fff; padding: 24px; border-radius: 16px; box-shadow: var(--shadow); width: min(420px, 90vw); }
+        .error { color: #b00020; margin: 0; }
+      </style>
+    </head>
+    <body>
+      <div class="login-card">
+        <h1>Admin unavailable</h1>
+        <p class="error">FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY is not configured.</p>
+      </div>
+    </body>
+    </html>
+    <?php
+    exit;
+}
+
 if (!$authed && isset($_POST['password'])) {
     if (hash_equals($ADMIN_KEY, $_POST['password'])) {
         $_SESSION['fc_admin'] = true;
@@ -49,7 +76,11 @@ if (!$authed) {
     exit;
 }
 
-$allRecipes = load_recipes();
+try {
+    $allRecipes = load_recipes();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    handle_database_unavailable($e);
+}
 $siteSettings = load_site_settings();
 $message = null;
 $errors = [];
@@ -165,12 +196,11 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && ($_POST['action'] ?? '') === 'save_
 
 if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && ($_POST['action'] ?? '') === 'delete') {
     $slugDel = trim($_POST['slug'] ?? '');
-    $before = count($allRecipes);
-    $allRecipes = array_values(array_filter($allRecipes, fn($r) => ($r['slug'] ?? '') !== $slugDel));
-    if ($before !== count($allRecipes) && save_recipes($allRecipes)) {
+    if ($slugDel !== '' && delete_recipe($slugDel)) {
         $message = 'Recipe deleted.';
+        $allRecipes = load_recipes();
     } else {
-        $message = 'Could not delete. Check permissions.';
+        $message = 'Could not delete recipe.';
     }
     $editing = null;
     $editIndex = null;
@@ -259,13 +289,6 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && ($_POST['action'] ?? '') === 'delet
             }
         }
 
-        if ($featured) {
-            foreach ($allRecipes as &$r) {
-                $r['featured'] = false;
-            }
-            unset($r);
-        }
-
         $record = [
             'slug' => $slug,
             'hero' => $hero,
@@ -309,16 +332,15 @@ if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_METHOD'] === 'POST' && ($_POST['action'] ?? '') === 'delet
             ],
         ];
 
-        if ($slugOriginal && $editIndex !== null) {
-            $allRecipes[$editIndex] = $record;
-        } else {
-            $allRecipes[] = $record;
+        if ($slugOriginal && $slugOriginal !== $slug) {
+            delete_recipe($slugOriginal);
         }
 
-        if (save_recipes($allRecipes)) {
+        if (save_recipe($record)) {
             $message = $slugOriginal ? 'Saved changes.' : 'Saved! New recipe added.';
+            $allRecipes = load_recipes();
         } else {
-            $message = 'Could not save the file. Check permissions on data/recipes.json.';
+            $message = 'Could not save to database.';
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/api/session.php b/api/session.php
deleted file mode 100644
index 9aecee2..0000000
--- a/api/session.php
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,40 +0,0 @@
-<?php
-// PHP session synchronizer endpoint for Firebase Auth
-
-if (session_status() === PHP_SESSION_NONE) {
-    session_start();
-}
-
-$action = $_POST['action'] ?? '';
-
-if ($action === 'login') {
-    $uid = $_POST['uid'] ?? '';
-    $email = $_POST['email'] ?? '';
-    $token = $_POST['token'] ?? '';
-    
-    if ($uid !== '') {
-        $_SESSION['fc_user'] = [
-            'uid' => $uid,
-            'email' => $email,
-            'token' => $token
-        ];
-        echo json_encode(['status' => 'success', 'message' => 'Logged in']);
-    } else {
-        http_response_code(400);
-        echo json_encode(['status' => 'error', 'message' => 'Missing UID']);
-    }
-} elseif ($action === 'logout') {
-    $_SESSION = [];
-    if (ini_get("session.use_cookies")) {
-        $params = session_get_cookie_params();
-        setcookie(session_name(), '', time() - 42000,
-            $params["path"], $params["domain"],
-            $params["secure"], $params["httponly"]
-        );
-    }
-    session_destroy();
-    echo json_encode(['status' => 'success', 'message' => 'Logged out']);
-} else {
-    http_response_code(400);
-    echo json_encode(['status' => 'error', 'message' => 'Invalid action']);
-}
diff --git a/assets/fc-local.js b/assets/fc-local.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7df4708
--- /dev/null
+++ b/assets/fc-local.js
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+// Local-only favorites and dietary goal (no cloud backend).
+(function (global) {
+  var FAV_KEY = 'fc_fav_slugs';
+  var GOAL_KEY = 'fc_diet_goal';
+
+  function readJson(key, fallback) {
+    try {
+      var raw = global.localStorage.getItem(key);
+      if (!raw) return fallback;
+      return JSON.parse(raw);
+    } catch (e) {
+      return fallback;
+    }
+  }
+
+  function writeJson(key, value) {
+    try {
+      global.localStorage.setItem(key, JSON.stringify(value));
+    } catch (e) {
+      /* ignore quota errors */
+    }
+  }
+
+  global.fcLocal = {
+    getFavorites: function () {
+      var list = readJson(FAV_KEY, []);
+      return Array.isArray(list) ? list : [];
+    },
+    hasFavorite: function (slug) {
+      return this.getFavorites().indexOf(slug) !== -1;
+    },
+    toggleFavorite: function (slug) {
+      var list = this.getFavorites();
+      var idx = list.indexOf(slug);
+      if (idx === -1) {
+        list.push(slug);
+      } else {
+        list.splice(idx, 1);
+      }
+      writeJson(FAV_KEY, list);
+      return list;
+    },
+    getGoal: function () {
+      try {
+        return global.localStorage.getItem(GOAL_KEY) || '';
+      } catch (e) {
+        return '';
+      }
+    },
+    setGoal: function (goal) {
+      try {
+        if (goal) {
+          global.localStorage.setItem(GOAL_KEY, goal);
+        } else {
+          global.localStorage.removeItem(GOAL_KEY);
+        }
+      } catch (e) {
+        /* ignore */
+      }
+    }
+  };
+})(window);
diff --git a/config.php b/config.php
index 869259c..2422301 100644
--- a/config.php
+++ b/config.php
@@ -34,13 +34,51 @@ function load_env() {
 // Automatically load on include
 load_env();
 
-function get_firebase_config(): array {
-    return [
-        'apiKey'            => getenv('FIREBASE_API_KEY') ?: '',
-        'authDomain'        => getenv('FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN') ?: '',
-        'projectId'         => getenv('FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID') ?: '',
-        'storageBucket'     => getenv('FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET') ?: '',
-        'messagingSenderId' => getenv('FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID') ?: '',
-        'appId'             => getenv('FIREBASE_APP_ID') ?: '',
-    ];
+class DatabaseUnavailableException extends RuntimeException
+{
+}
+
+/**
+ * Get a PDO connection to the database.
+ */
+function get_db_connection() {
+    static $pdo = null;
+    
+    if ($pdo !== null) {
+        return $pdo;
+    }
+    
+    if (!class_exists('PDO')) {
+        return null;
+    }
+    
+    $url = getenv('DATABASE_URL');
+    if (!$url) {
+        return null;
+    }
+    
+    $parsedUrl = parse_url($url);
+    if ($parsedUrl === false || !isset($parsedUrl['host'], $parsedUrl['user'], $parsedUrl['pass'], $parsedUrl['path'])) {
+        return null;
+    }
+    
+    $host = $parsedUrl['host'];
+    $port = $parsedUrl['port'] ?? 5432;
+    $user = $parsedUrl['user'];
+    $pass = $parsedUrl['pass'];
+    $db = ltrim($parsedUrl['path'], '/');
+    
+    $dsn = "pgsql:host=$host;port=$port;dbname=$db";
+    
+    try {
+        $pdo = new PDO($dsn, $user, $pass, [
+            PDO::ATTR_ERRMODE => PDO::ERRMODE_EXCEPTION,
+            PDO::ATTR_DEFAULT_FETCH_MODE => PDO::FETCH_ASSOC,
+            PDO::ATTR_TIMEOUT => 3,
+        ]);
+        return $pdo;
+    } catch (\Exception $e) {
+        error_log("Database connection failed: " . $e->getMessage());
+        return null;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/docker-compose.dev.yml b/docker-compose.dev.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f1a2de
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.dev.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# Lokale Postgres-Instanz für Entwicklung (dev branch).
+# Start:  docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d
+# Stop:   docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml down
+# Reset:  docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml down -v   (löscht alle Daten!)
+
+services:
+  postgres:
+    image: postgres:16-alpine
+    container_name: flixcooks-postgres-dev
+    restart: unless-stopped
+    ports:
+      - "5432:5432"
+    environment:
+      POSTGRES_USER: flixcooks
+      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: flixcooks_dev
+      POSTGRES_DB: flixcooks_dev
+    volumes:
+      - flixcooks_pg_dev:/var/lib/postgresql/data
+    healthcheck:
+      test: ["CMD-SHELL", "pg_isready -U flixcooks -d flixcooks_dev"]
+      interval: 5s
+      timeout: 5s
+      retries: 5
+
+volumes:
+  flixcooks_pg_dev:
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ec26a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+# Lokaler Produktions-Test: App-Image + Postgres (ähnlich Coolify mit zwei Services)
+#
+#   docker compose build
+#   docker compose up -d
+#   curl http://127.0.0.1:8080/health.php
+#
+# Erstes Deployment mit Seed:
+#   RUN_DB_SEED=true docker compose up -d
+
+services:
+  web:
+    build: .
+    ports:
+      - "8080:80"
+    environment:
+      DATABASE_URL: postgresql://flixcooks:flixcooks_prod@postgres:5432/flixcooks
+      FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY: ${FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY:-change-me-in-production}
+      RUN_DB_SEED: ${RUN_DB_SEED:-false}
+    depends_on:
+      postgres:
+        condition: service_healthy
+    volumes:
+      # Impressum/Datenschutz-Einstellungen persistent halten
+      - site_data:/var/www/html/data
+
+  postgres:
+    image: postgres:16-alpine
+    environment:
+      POSTGRES_USER: flixcooks
+      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: flixcooks_prod
+      POSTGRES_DB: flixcooks
+    volumes:
+      - pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
+    healthcheck:
+      test: ["CMD-SHELL", "pg_isready -U flixcooks -d flixcooks"]
+      interval: 5s
+      timeout: 5s
+      retries: 10
+
+volumes:
+  pg_data:
+  site_data:
diff --git a/docker/entrypoint.sh b/docker/entrypoint.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c5db388
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker/entrypoint.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+set -euo pipefail
+
+cd /var/www/html
+
+echo "[flixcooks] Waiting for database..."
+TRIES=0
+MAX_TRIES="${DB_WAIT_MAX_TRIES:-30}"
+
+until php scripts/db-check.php >/dev/null 2>&1; do
+  TRIES=$((TRIES + 1))
+  if [ "$TRIES" -ge "$MAX_TRIES" ]; then
+    echo "[flixcooks] Database not reachable after ${MAX_TRIES} attempts." >&2
+    exit 1
+  fi
+  sleep 2
+done
+
+echo "[flixcooks] Applying schema..."
+php -r "require 'helpers.php'; require_database(); echo \"schema ok\n\";"
+
+if [ "${RUN_DB_SEED:-false}" = "true" ]; then
+  echo "[flixcooks] Seeding recipes from data/recipes.json..."
+  php scripts/db-seed.php
+fi
+
+echo "[flixcooks] Starting Apache..."
+exec "$@"
diff --git a/docs/COOLIFY.md b/docs/COOLIFY.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f226bea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/COOLIFY.md
@@ -0,0 +1,149 @@
+# FlixCooks auf Coolify deployen
+
+Zwei getrennte Ressourcen: **PostgreSQL** und **PHP-Web-App** (dieses Repo als Dockerfile).
+
+## Architektur
+
+```
+┌──────────────────── Coolify Server ────────────────────┐
+│                                                         │
+│  ┌──────────────┐         ┌─────────────────────────┐ │
+│  │  PostgreSQL  │◄────────│  FlixCooks (dieses Image) │ │
+│  │  (Service B) │  :5432  │  Apache + PHP 8.3         │ │
+│  └──────────────┘         │  Port 80 → Traefik/HTTPS  │ │
+│         ▲                 └─────────────────────────┘ │
+│         │                          ▲                   │
+│    Volume (Daten)            Volume optional:          │
+│                              data/ (site.json)           │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+Die App startet **nicht**, wenn `DATABASE_URL` fehlt oder Postgres nicht erreichbar ist.
+
+---
+
+## 1. PostgreSQL in Coolify anlegen
+
+1. Neues **Database** → PostgreSQL (16).
+2. Notieren:
+  - Benutzer, Passwort, Datenbankname
+  - **Internal URL** (Host ist oft der Service-Name, z. B. `postgresql-xxxxx` oder was Coolify anzeigt)
+3. Format für die App:
+
+```text
+postgresql://USER:PASSWORD@HOST:5432/DATABASE
+```
+
+Beispiel (Platzhalter durch Coolify-Werte ersetzen):
+
+```text
+postgresql://flixcooks:geheim@postgresql-flixcooks:5432/flixcooks
+```
+
+**Wichtig:** In der App den **internen** Hostnamen verwenden (gleiches Coolify-Netzwerk), nicht `127.0.0.1`.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Web-App in Coolify anlegen
+
+1. Neues **Application** → Build Pack: **Dockerfile** (Repository dieses Projekts).
+2. Dockerfile-Pfad: `Dockerfile` (Root).
+3. Port: **80** (Container exponiert Apache auf 80).
+4. Health Check (optional, empfohlen):
+  - Path: `/health.php`
+  - Erwartet HTTP 200 mit `{"status":"ok"}`
+
+### Environment Variables (Pflicht)
+
+
+| Variable              | Beschreibung                      |
+| --------------------- | --------------------------------- |
+| `DATABASE_URL`        | Interne Postgres-URL von Coolify  |
+| `FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY` | Starkes Passwort für `/admin.php` |
+
+
+### Environment Variables (optional)
+
+
+| Variable            | Default | Beschreibung                                                       |
+| ------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
+| `RUN_DB_SEED`       | `false` | Einmalig `true` setzen → importiert `data/recipes.json` beim Start |
+| `DB_WAIT_MAX_TRIES` | `30`    | Warteversuche bis Postgres da ist (à 2 s)                          |
+
+
+Nach dem ersten erfolgreichen Deploy: `RUN_DB_SEED` wieder auf `false` oder entfernen.
+
+### Persistent Storage (empfohlen)
+
+Mount für Impressum/Datenschutz (`data/site.json`):
+
+
+| Mount Path (Container) | Inhalt                                    |
+| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
+| `/var/www/html/data`   | `site.json` bleibt nach Redeploy erhalten |
+
+
+Rezepte liegen in Postgres – **kein** Volume für Rezepte nötig.
+
+---
+
+## 3. Erstes Deployment (Checkliste)
+
+1. Postgres-Service läuft (healthy).
+2. App mit `DATABASE_URL` + `FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY` deployen.
+3. Einmalig `RUN_DB_SEED=true` → Redeploy → Rezepte prüfen auf der Startseite.
+4. `RUN_DB_SEED` deaktivieren.
+5. `https://deine-domain/admin.php` testen.
+6. `https://deine-domain/health.php` → `{"status":"ok"}`.
+
+### Schema ohne Seed
+
+Tabellen legt der Container beim Start automatisch an (`scripts/schema.sql` via `require_database()`). Ohne Seed ist die DB leer → Seite lädt, aber keine Rezepte, bis du im Admin anlegst oder seedest.
+
+---
+
+## 4. Lokaler Test vor Coolify
+
+```bash
+# Starkes Admin-Passwort setzen
+export FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY="dein-geheimes-passwort"
+
+# Mit Seed
+export RUN_DB_SEED=true
+docker compose build
+docker compose up -d
+
+curl http://127.0.0.1:8080/health.php
+```
+
+---
+
+## 5. Updates / Redeploy
+
+- Neues Image bauen lassen (Git push → Coolify rebuild).
+- Postgres-Volume bleibt → Daten bleiben.
+- `data/`-Volume bleibt → Site-Settings bleiben.
+- Kein manuelles `db-seed` bei Updates, außer du leerst die DB bewusst.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Sicherheit
+
+- `.env` wird **nicht** ins Image kopiert (`.dockerignore`).
+- Admin-Key **nur** über `FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY` in Coolify setzen. Ohne diese Variable ist `/admin.php` deaktiviert.
+- Postgres nicht öffentlich exponieren, wenn nicht nötig (nur interne URL).
+
+---
+
+## 7. Troubleshooting
+
+
+| Problem                          | Lösung                                                          |
+| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| Container startet nicht          | Logs: DB nicht erreichbar → `DATABASE_URL` Host/Passwort prüfen |
+| 503 „Datenbank nicht verfügbar“  | Gleiches Netzwerk in Coolify? Internal URL?                     |
+| Leere Seite, Health OK           | `RUN_DB_SEED=true` einmalig oder Admin-Rezepte anlegen          |
+| Admin geht nicht                 | `FLIXCOOKS_ADMIN_KEY` gesetzt?                                  |
+| `site.json` verloren nach Deploy | Volume auf `/var/www/html/data` mounten                         |
+
+
diff --git a/health.php b/health.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f3d269b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/health.php
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+<?php
+/**
+ * Container health check (Coolify / Docker HEALTHCHECK).
+ */
+header('Content-Type: application/json; charset=utf-8');
+
+require __DIR__ . '/config.php';
+
+try {
+    if (!extension_loaded('pdo_pgsql')) {
+        throw new RuntimeException('pdo_pgsql extension missing');
+    }
+    require_once __DIR__ . '/helpers.php';
+    require_database();
+    $response = ['status' => 'ok'];
+    echo json_encode($response, JSON_UNESCAPED_UNICODE);
+} catch (Throwable $e) {
+    http_response_code(503);
+    $response = [
+        'status' => 'error',
+        'message' => $e->getMessage(),
+    ];
+    echo json_encode($response, JSON_UNESCAPED_UNICODE);
+    exit(1);
+}
diff --git a/helpers.php b/helpers.php
index d6b4099..1774209 100644
--- a/helpers.php
+++ b/helpers.php
@@ -7,31 +7,381 @@ if (session_status() === PHP_SESSION_NONE) {
 
 require_once __DIR__ . '/config.php';
 
-function load_recipes(): array {
-    $path = __DIR__ . '/data/recipes.json';
+function handle_database_unavailable(DatabaseUnavailableException $e): void {
+    http_response_code(503);
+    $dbError = $e->getMessage();
+    include __DIR__ . '/maintenance/db-unavailable.php';
+    exit;
+}
+
+function db_table_has_column(PDO $pdo, string $table, string $column): bool {
+    $stmt = $pdo->prepare(
+        'SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.columns
+         WHERE table_schema = current_schema() AND table_name = ? AND column_name = ?'
+    );
+    $stmt->execute([$table, $column]);
+    return (bool) $stmt->fetchColumn();
+}
+
+function apply_recipe_schema(PDO $pdo): void {
+    $path = __DIR__ . '/scripts/schema.sql';
     if (!file_exists($path)) {
-        return [];
+        throw new RuntimeException('Missing scripts/schema.sql');
     }
-    $json = file_get_contents($path);
-    $data = json_decode($json, true);
-    if (!is_array($data)) {
+    $pdo->exec(file_get_contents($path));
+}
+
+function recipe_empty_i18n(): array {
+    return [
+        'title' => '',
+        'description' => '',
+        'category' => '',
+        'difficulty' => '',
+        'tags' => [],
+        'ingredients' => [],
+        'utensils' => [],
+        'steps' => [],
+        'step_videos' => [],
+        'step_timers' => [],
+    ];
+}
+
+function recipe_base_from_row(array $row): array {
+    return [
+        'slug' => $row['slug'],
+        'hero' => $row['hero'] ?? '',
+        'prep_time' => (int) ($row['prep_time'] ?? 0),
+        'cook_time' => (int) ($row['cook_time'] ?? 0),
+        'total_time' => (int) ($row['total_time'] ?? 0),
+        'servings' => (int) ($row['servings'] ?? 2),
+        'featured' => (bool) ($row['featured'] ?? false),
+        'coming_soon' => (bool) ($row['coming_soon'] ?? false),
+        'nutrition' => [
+            'calories' => (int) ($row['calories'] ?? 0),
+            'protein' => (int) ($row['protein'] ?? 0),
+            'carbs' => (int) ($row['carbs'] ?? 0),
+            'fat' => (int) ($row['fat'] ?? 0),
+        ],
+        'i18n' => [
+            'en' => recipe_empty_i18n(),
+            'de' => recipe_empty_i18n(),
+        ],
+    ];
+}
+
+function decode_legacy_jsonb_value($value): ?array {
+    if (is_array($value)) {
+        return $value;
+    }
+    if (is_string($value)) {
+        $decoded = json_decode($value, true);
+        return is_array($decoded) ? $decoded : null;
+    }
+    if ($value !== null) {
+        $decoded = json_decode(json_encode($value), true);
+        return is_array($decoded) ? $decoded : null;
+    }
+    return null;
+}
+
+function migrate_legacy_jsonb_storage(PDO $pdo): void {
+    if (!db_table_has_column($pdo, 'recipes', 'data')) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    $legacy = [];
+    $stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT slug, data FROM recipes');
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        $recipe = decode_legacy_jsonb_value($row['data']);
+        if (is_array($recipe) && !empty($recipe['slug'])) {
+            $legacy[] = $recipe;
+        }
+    }
+
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipe_steps CASCADE');
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipe_utensils CASCADE');
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipe_ingredients CASCADE');
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipe_tags CASCADE');
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipe_translations CASCADE');
+    $pdo->exec('DROP TABLE IF EXISTS recipes CASCADE');
+
+    apply_recipe_schema($pdo);
+
+    foreach ($legacy as $recipe) {
+        save_recipe($recipe, $pdo);
+    }
+}
+
+function ensure_recipe_schema(PDO $pdo): void {
+    static $ready = false;
+    if ($ready) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if (db_table_has_column($pdo, 'recipes', 'data') && !db_table_has_column($pdo, 'recipes', 'calories')) {
+        migrate_legacy_jsonb_storage($pdo);
+        $ready = true;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    apply_recipe_schema($pdo);
+    $ready = true;
+}
+
+function require_database(): PDO {
+    $pdo = get_db_connection();
+    if (!$pdo) {
+        $message = getenv('DATABASE_URL')
+            ? 'Database connection failed. Check DATABASE_URL and that Postgres is running.'
+            : 'DATABASE_URL is not set in .env.';
+        throw new DatabaseUnavailableException($message);
+    }
+
+    ensure_recipe_schema($pdo);
+    return $pdo;
+}
+
+function init_db(): void {
+    require_database();
+}
+
+function hydrate_recipes_from_db(PDO $pdo): array {
+    $recipes = [];
+    $stmt = $pdo->query(
+        'SELECT * FROM recipes ORDER BY featured DESC, updated_at DESC, slug ASC'
+    );
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        $recipes[$row['slug']] = recipe_base_from_row($row);
+    }
+
+    if ($recipes === []) {
         return [];
     }
 
-    foreach ($data as &$recipe) {
+    $stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT * FROM recipe_translations');
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        $slug = $row['recipe_slug'];
+        $lang = $row['lang'];
+        if (!isset($recipes[$slug])) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        $recipes[$slug]['i18n'][$lang] = array_merge(recipe_empty_i18n(), [
+            'title' => $row['title'],
+            'description' => $row['description'],
+            'category' => $row['category'],
+            'difficulty' => $row['difficulty'],
+        ]);
+    }
+
+    $stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT recipe_slug, lang, tag FROM recipe_tags ORDER BY sort_order, id');
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        if (isset($recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']])) {
+            $recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']]['tags'][] = $row['tag'];
+        }
+    }
+
+    $stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT recipe_slug, lang, content FROM recipe_ingredients ORDER BY sort_order, id');
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        if (isset($recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']])) {
+            $recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']]['ingredients'][] = $row['content'];
+        }
+    }
+
+    $stmt = $pdo->query('SELECT recipe_slug, lang, content FROM recipe_utensils ORDER BY sort_order, id');
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        if (isset($recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']])) {
+            $recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']]['utensils'][] = $row['content'];
+        }
+    }
+
+    $stmt = $pdo->query(
+        'SELECT recipe_slug, lang, content, video_url, timer_minutes
+         FROM recipe_steps ORDER BY sort_order, id'
+    );
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch(PDO::FETCH_ASSOC)) {
+        if (!isset($recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']])) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        $lang = &$recipes[$row['recipe_slug']]['i18n'][$row['lang']];
+        $lang['steps'][] = $row['content'];
+        $lang['step_videos'][] = $row['video_url'] ?? '';
+        $lang['step_timers'][] = $row['timer_minutes'] !== null ? (string) $row['timer_minutes'] : '';
+        unset($lang);
+    }
+
+    $list = array_values($recipes);
+    foreach ($list as &$recipe) {
         if (!empty($recipe['hero']) && is_string($recipe['hero'])) {
             $recipe['hero'] = normalize_asset_path($recipe['hero']);
         }
     }
     unset($recipe);
 
-    return $data;
+    return $list;
 }
 
-function save_recipes(array $recipes): bool {
-    $path = __DIR__ . '/data/recipes.json';
-    $json = json_encode($recipes, JSON_PRETTY_PRINT | JSON_UNESCAPED_SLASHES);
-    return (bool) file_put_contents($path, $json);
+function load_recipes(): array {
+    $pdo = require_database();
+    return hydrate_recipes_from_db($pdo);
+}
+
+function load_recipe_by_slug(string $slug): ?array {
+    foreach (load_recipes() as $recipe) {
+        if (($recipe['slug'] ?? '') === $slug) {
+            return $recipe;
+        }
+    }
+    return null;
+}
+
+function clear_featured_recipes(?PDO $pdo = null): void {
+    $pdo = $pdo ?? require_database();
+    $pdo->exec('UPDATE recipes SET featured = FALSE');
+}
+
+function delete_recipe(string $slug): bool {
+    $pdo = require_database();
+    $stmt = $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipes WHERE slug = ?');
+    $stmt->execute([$slug]);
+    return $stmt->rowCount() > 0;
+}
+
+function save_recipe(array $recipe, ?PDO $pdo = null): bool {
+    if (empty($recipe['slug'])) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    $pdo = $pdo ?? require_database();
+    $nutrition = $recipe['nutrition'] ?? [];
+    $slug = $recipe['slug'];
+
+    try {
+        $pdo->beginTransaction();
+
+        if (!empty($recipe['featured'])) {
+            clear_featured_recipes($pdo);
+        }
+
+        $stmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipes (
+                slug, hero, prep_time, cook_time, total_time, servings,
+                featured, coming_soon, calories, protein, carbs, fat, updated_at
+            ) VALUES (
+                :slug, :hero, :prep_time, :cook_time, :total_time, :servings,
+                :featured, :coming_soon, :calories, :protein, :carbs, :fat, NOW()
+            )
+            ON CONFLICT (slug) DO UPDATE SET
+                hero = EXCLUDED.hero,
+                prep_time = EXCLUDED.prep_time,
+                cook_time = EXCLUDED.cook_time,
+                total_time = EXCLUDED.total_time,
+                servings = EXCLUDED.servings,
+                featured = EXCLUDED.featured,
+                coming_soon = EXCLUDED.coming_soon,
+                calories = EXCLUDED.calories,
+                protein = EXCLUDED.protein,
+                carbs = EXCLUDED.carbs,
+                fat = EXCLUDED.fat,
+                updated_at = NOW()'
+        );
+        $stmt->bindValue(':slug', $slug);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':hero', $recipe['hero'] ?? '');
+        $stmt->bindValue(':prep_time', (int) ($recipe['prep_time'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':cook_time', (int) ($recipe['cook_time'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':total_time', (int) ($recipe['total_time'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':servings', (int) ($recipe['servings'] ?? 2), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':featured', !empty($recipe['featured']), PDO::PARAM_BOOL);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':coming_soon', !empty($recipe['coming_soon']), PDO::PARAM_BOOL);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':calories', (int) ($nutrition['calories'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':protein', (int) ($nutrition['protein'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':carbs', (int) ($nutrition['carbs'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->bindValue(':fat', (int) ($nutrition['fat'] ?? 0), PDO::PARAM_INT);
+        $stmt->execute();
+
+        $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipe_translations WHERE recipe_slug = ?')->execute([$slug]);
+        $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipe_tags WHERE recipe_slug = ?')->execute([$slug]);
+        $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipe_ingredients WHERE recipe_slug = ?')->execute([$slug]);
+        $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipe_utensils WHERE recipe_slug = ?')->execute([$slug]);
+        $pdo->prepare('DELETE FROM recipe_steps WHERE recipe_slug = ?')->execute([$slug]);
+
+        $translationStmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipe_translations (recipe_slug, lang, title, description, category, difficulty)
+             VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)'
+        );
+        $tagStmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipe_tags (recipe_slug, lang, tag, sort_order) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)'
+        );
+        $ingredientStmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipe_ingredients (recipe_slug, lang, content, sort_order) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)'
+        );
+        $utensilStmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipe_utensils (recipe_slug, lang, content, sort_order) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)'
+        );
+        $stepStmt = $pdo->prepare(
+            'INSERT INTO recipe_steps (recipe_slug, lang, content, video_url, timer_minutes, sort_order)
+             VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)'
+        );
+
+        foreach (['en', 'de'] as $lang) {
+            $block = $recipe['i18n'][$lang] ?? [];
+            $translationStmt->execute([
+                $slug,
+                $lang,
+                $block['title'] ?? '',
+                $block['description'] ?? '',
+                $block['category'] ?? '',
+                $block['difficulty'] ?? '',
+            ]);
+
+            $tagOrder = 0;
+            foreach (array_values($block['tags'] ?? []) as $tag) {
+                $tag = trim((string) $tag);
+                if ($tag !== '') {
+                    $tagStmt->execute([$slug, $lang, $tag, $tagOrder++]);
+                }
+            }
+
+            $ingredientOrder = 0;
+            foreach (array_values($block['ingredients'] ?? []) as $line) {
+                $line = trim((string) $line);
+                if ($line !== '') {
+                    $ingredientStmt->execute([$slug, $lang, $line, $ingredientOrder++]);
+                }
+            }
+
+            $utensilOrder = 0;
+            foreach (array_values($block['utensils'] ?? []) as $line) {
+                $line = trim((string) $line);
+                if ($line !== '') {
+                    $utensilStmt->execute([$slug, $lang, $line, $utensilOrder++]);
+                }
+            }
+
+            $steps = array_values($block['steps'] ?? []);
+            $videos = array_values($block['step_videos'] ?? []);
+            $timers = array_values($block['step_timers'] ?? []);
+            $stepOrder = 0;
+            foreach ($steps as $i => $step) {
+                $step = trim((string) $step);
+                if ($step === '') {
+                    continue;
+                }
+                $video = trim((string) ($videos[$i] ?? ''));
+                $timerRaw = $timers[$i] ?? '';
+                $timerMinutes = ($timerRaw !== '' && is_numeric($timerRaw)) ? (int) $timerRaw : null;
+                $stepStmt->execute([$slug, $lang, $step, $video, $timerMinutes, $stepOrder++]);
+            }
+        }
+
+        $pdo->commit();
+        return true;
+    } catch (\Exception $e) {
+        if ($pdo->inTransaction()) {
+            $pdo->rollBack();
+        }
+        error_log('save_recipe failed: ' . $e->getMessage());
+        return false;
+    }
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/index.php b/index.php
index ed2c95a..894e4de 100644
--- a/index.php
+++ b/index.php
@@ -1,6 +1,12 @@
 <?php
 require __DIR__ . '/helpers.php';
 
+try {
+    $allRecipes = load_recipes();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    handle_database_unavailable($e);
+}
+
 // Language & inputs
 $lang = strtolower((string) (filter_input(INPUT_GET, 'lang', FILTER_SANITIZE_FULL_SPECIAL_CHARS) ?: 'en')) === 'de' ? 'de' : 'en';
 $q    = trim((string) (filter_input(INPUT_GET, 'q',    FILTER_UNSAFE_RAW) ?? ''));
@@ -84,7 +90,6 @@ $copy = [
 $t = $copy[$lang];
 
 // Data
-$allRecipes      = load_recipes();
 $localizedAll    = localize_recipes($allRecipes, $lang);
 $recipes         = filter_recipes($allRecipes, $q ?: null, $tag ?: null, $lang);
 $recipes         = array_values(array_filter($recipes, fn($r) => empty($r['coming_soon'])));
@@ -920,43 +925,38 @@ $recipesJson = json_encode(array_values(array_map(function($r) use ($lang) {
     });
   }
 
-  // Hook into auth state
-  window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
-    if (window.auth && window.db) {
-      window.auth.onAuthStateChanged(function(user) {
-        if (user) {
-          window.db.collection('users').doc(user.uid).get()
-            .then(function(doc) {
-              if (doc.exists) {
-                var goal = doc.data().goal;
-                var filtered = indexRecipeBank;
-                
-                if (goal === 'weight_loss') {
-                  filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(r => 
-                    r.tags.some(t => t.toLowerCase().includes('low-carb') || t.toLowerCase().includes('diet')) || 
-                    (r.category && r.category.toLowerCase().includes('salad'))
-                  );
-                } else if (goal === 'muscle_gain') {
-                  filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(r => 
-                    r.tags.some(t => t.toLowerCase().includes('high-protein') || t.toLowerCase().includes('meat') || t.toLowerCase().includes('fleisch'))
-                  );
-                } else if (goal === 'healthy') {
-                  filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(r => 
-                    r.tags.some(t => t.toLowerCase().includes('vegetarian') || t.toLowerCase().includes('healthy'))
-                  );
-                }
-                
-                // fallback if empty
-                if (filtered.length === 0) filtered = indexRecipeBank;
-                
-                renderSwipeCarousel(filtered, i18nGoal[goal] || null);
-              }
-            });
-        } else {
-          // Default unauthenticated view
-          renderSwipeCarousel(indexRecipeBank, null);
-        }
+  function filterRecipesByGoal(goal) {
+    var filtered = indexRecipeBank;
+    if (goal === 'weight_loss') {
+      filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(function(r) {
+        return r.tags.some(function(t) {
+          var lower = t.toLowerCase();
+          return lower.includes('low-carb') || lower.includes('diet');
+        }) || (r.category && r.category.toLowerCase().includes('salad'));
       });
+    } else if (goal === 'muscle_gain') {
+      filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(function(r) {
+        return r.tags.some(function(t) {
+          var lower = t.toLowerCase();
+          return lower.includes('high-protein') || lower.includes('meat') || lower.includes('fleisch');
+        });
+      });
+    } else if (goal === 'healthy') {
+      filtered = indexRecipeBank.filter(function(r) {
+        return r.tags.some(function(t) {
+          var lower = t.toLowerCase();
+          return lower.includes('vegetarian') || lower.includes('healthy');
+        });
+      });
+    }
+    if (filtered.length === 0) filtered = indexRecipeBank;
+    return filtered;
+  }
+
+  window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+    var goal = window.fcLocal ? window.fcLocal.getGoal() : '';
+    if (goal) {
+      renderSwipeCarousel(filterRecipesByGoal(goal), i18nGoal[goal] || null);
     } else {
       renderSwipeCarousel(indexRecipeBank, null);
     }
diff --git a/login.php b/login.php
index 5fddef4..cb1f87a 100644
--- a/login.php
+++ b/login.php
@@ -1,6 +1,12 @@
 <?php
 require __DIR__ . '/helpers.php';
 
+try {
+    $allRecipes = load_recipes();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    handle_database_unavailable($e);
+}
+
 $lang = (isset($_GET['lang']) && strtolower($_GET['lang']) === 'de') ? 'de' : 'en';
 
 $copy = [
@@ -23,9 +29,9 @@ $copy = [
         'your_goal'      => 'Your dietary goal',
         'saved_recipes'  => 'Your Saved Favorites',
         'no_favorites'   => "You haven't saved any recipes yet. Explore our collection and tap the heart icon!",
-        'logout'         => 'Log Out',
-        'err_pass_match' => 'Passwords do not match.',
-        'err_fill_fields'=> 'Please fill in all fields.',
+        'save_goal'      => 'Save goal',
+        'goal_saved'     => 'Dietary goal saved.',
+        'local_note'     => 'Favorites and goals are stored in this browser only.',
     ],
     'de' => [
         'page_title'     => 'Mein Profil & Favoriten | FlixCooks',
@@ -46,9 +52,9 @@ $copy = [
         'your_goal'      => 'Dein Ernährungsziel',
         'saved_recipes'  => 'Deine gespeicherten Favoriten',
         'no_favorites'   => "Du hast noch keine Rezepte gespeichert. Entdecke unsere Küche und klicke auf das Herz-Symbol!",
-        'logout'         => 'Abmelden',
-        'err_pass_match' => 'Die Passwörter stimmen nicht überein.',
-        'err_fill_fields'=> 'Bitte fülle alle Felder aus.',
+        'save_goal'      => 'Ziel speichern',
+        'goal_saved'     => 'Ernährungsziel gespeichert.',
+        'local_note'     => 'Favoriten und Ziele werden nur in diesem Browser gespeichert.',
     ]
 ];
 
@@ -56,10 +62,6 @@ $t = $copy[$lang];
 $pageTitle = $t['page_title'];
 $description = $t['meta_desc'];
 
-// Check PHP session state
-$user = $_SESSION['fc_user'] ?? null;
-
-$allRecipes = load_recipes();
 $allRecipesLocal = localize_recipes($allRecipes, $lang);
 
 // Formatter helper for JS usage
@@ -376,95 +378,37 @@ include __DIR__ . '/partials/header.php';
 <main class="auth-page">
   <div class="auth-alert" id="authAlert"></div>
 
-  <!-- ── 1. UNAUTHENTICATED STATE (Login/Register Card) ── -->
-  <div class="auth-card" id="authCard" style="display: <?php echo $user ? 'none' : 'block'; ?>;">
-    <div class="auth-tabs">
-      <button class="auth-tab active" onclick="switchTab('login')"><?php echo $t['login']; ?></button>
-      <button class="auth-tab" onclick="switchTab('signup')"><?php echo $t['signup']; ?></button>
-    </div>
-
-    <!-- Login Form -->
-    <form class="auth-form active" id="loginForm" onsubmit="handleLogin(event)">
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="loginEmail"><?php echo $t['email']; ?></label>
-        <input type="email" id="loginEmail" placeholder="you@example.com" required autocomplete="username">
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="loginPassword"><?php echo $t['password']; ?></label>
-        <input type="password" id="loginPassword" placeholder="••••••••" required autocomplete="current-password">
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-btn-row">
-        <button class="btn-reveal" type="submit">
-          <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $t['login']; ?></span>
-          <span class="spinner"></span>
-          <span class="btn-reveal-arrow">→</span>
-        </button>
-      </div>
-      <p class="auth-switch-text">
-        <?php echo $t['no_account']; ?> <button type="button" onclick="switchTab('signup')"><?php echo $t['signup']; ?></button>
-      </p>
-    </form>
-
-    <!-- Sign-up Form -->
-    <form class="auth-form" id="signupForm" onsubmit="handleSignup(event)">
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="signupEmail"><?php echo $t['email']; ?></label>
-        <input type="email" id="signupEmail" placeholder="you@example.com" required autocomplete="username">
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="signupPassword"><?php echo $t['password']; ?></label>
-        <input type="password" id="signupPassword" placeholder="••••••••" required autocomplete="new-password">
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="signupConfirm"><?php echo $t['confirm_pass']; ?></label>
-        <input type="password" id="signupConfirm" placeholder="••••••••" required autocomplete="new-password">
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-field">
-        <label for="signupGoal"><?php echo $t['goal']; ?></label>
-        <select id="signupGoal" required>
-          <option value="" disabled selected><?php echo $t['goal_placeholder']; ?></option>
-          <option value="weight_loss"><?php echo $t['goal_loose']; ?></option>
-          <option value="muscle_gain"><?php echo $t['goal_gain']; ?></option>
-          <option value="healthy"><?php echo $t['goal_healthy']; ?></option>
-        </select>
-      </div>
-      <div class="auth-btn-row">
-        <button class="btn-reveal" type="submit">
-          <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $t['signup']; ?></span>
-          <span class="spinner"></span>
-          <span class="btn-reveal-arrow">→</span>
-        </button>
-      </div>
-      <p class="auth-switch-text">
-        <?php echo $t['have_account']; ?> <button type="button" onclick="switchTab('login')"><?php echo $t['login']; ?></button>
-      </p>
-    </form>
-  </div>
-
-  <!-- ── 2. AUTHENTICATED STATE (Dashboard & Favorites) ── -->
-  <div class="profile-shell" id="profileShell" style="display: <?php echo $user ? 'grid' : 'none'; ?>;">
+  <div class="profile-shell" id="profileShell" style="display: grid;">
     <aside class="profile-sidebar">
-      <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1.5rem;">
-        <div class="profile-avatar" id="avatarChar">
-          <?php echo $user ? strtoupper(substr($user['email'], 0, 1)) : ''; ?>
-        </div>
-        <div class="profile-meta">
-          <p><?php echo $t['welcome']; ?></p>
-          <h2 id="profileEmailVal"><?php echo $user ? e($user['email']) : ''; ?></h2>
-        </div>
+      <div class="profile-meta">
+        <p><?php echo $t['welcome']; ?></p>
+        <p style="font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--muted); margin-top: 0.5rem;"><?php echo e($t['local_note']); ?></p>
       </div>
-      
-      <div class="profile-details">
+
+      <form class="auth-form active" id="goalForm" onsubmit="handleSaveGoal(event)" style="margin-top: 1.5rem;">
+        <div class="auth-field">
+          <label for="profileGoal"><?php echo $t['goal']; ?></label>
+          <select id="profileGoal" required>
+            <option value="" disabled><?php echo $t['goal_placeholder']; ?></option>
+            <option value="weight_loss"><?php echo $t['goal_loose']; ?></option>
+            <option value="muscle_gain"><?php echo $t['goal_gain']; ?></option>
+            <option value="healthy"><?php echo $t['goal_healthy']; ?></option>
+          </select>
+        </div>
+        <div class="auth-btn-row">
+          <button class="btn-reveal" type="submit">
+            <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $t['save_goal']; ?></span>
+            <span class="btn-reveal-arrow">→</span>
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </form>
+
+      <div class="profile-details" style="margin-top: 1.5rem;">
         <div class="profile-stat-box">
           <span class="profile-stat-label"><?php echo $t['your_goal']; ?></span>
           <span class="profile-stat-val" id="profileGoalVal">-</span>
         </div>
       </div>
-
-      <button class="btn-reveal" onclick="handleLogout()" style="margin-top: 1rem; border-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.15);">
-        <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $t['logout']; ?></span>
-        <span class="btn-reveal-arrow">→</span>
-      </button>
     </aside>
 
     <section class="profile-main">
@@ -487,195 +431,81 @@ include __DIR__ . '/partials/header.php';
 </main>
 
 <script>
-// Expose recipe bank to JavaScript
 const recipeBank = <?php echo $recipesJson; ?>;
 const langText = <?php echo json_encode($t); ?>;
 
-function switchTab(tab) {
-  const tabs = document.querySelectorAll('.auth-tab');
-  const forms = document.querySelectorAll('.auth-form');
-  const alertEl = document.getElementById('authAlert');
-  alertEl.style.display = 'none';
-
-  if (tab === 'login') {
-    tabs[0].classList.add('active');
-    tabs[1].classList.remove('active');
-    forms[0].classList.add('active');
-    forms[1].classList.remove('active');
-  } else {
-    tabs[0].classList.remove('active');
-    tabs[1].classList.add('active');
-    forms[0].classList.remove('active');
-    forms[1].classList.add('active');
-  }
+function goalLabel(goal) {
+  if (goal === 'weight_loss') return langText.goal_loose;
+  if (goal === 'muscle_gain') return langText.goal_gain;
+  if (goal === 'healthy') return langText.goal_healthy;
+  return '-';
 }
 
 function showAlert(message) {
   const alertEl = document.getElementById('authAlert');
   alertEl.textContent = message;
   alertEl.style.display = 'block';
-  // Scroll to alert smoothly
   window.scrollTo({ top: alertEl.offsetTop - 120, behavior: 'smooth' });
 }
 
-function handleLogin(e) {
+function handleSaveGoal(e) {
   e.preventDefault();
-  const email = document.getElementById('loginEmail').value;
-  const pass = document.getElementById('loginPassword').value;
-  const btn = e.target.querySelector('button[type="submit"]');
-  const alertEl = document.getElementById('authAlert');
-  
-  alertEl.style.display = 'none';
-  btn.disabled = true;
-
-  window.auth.signInWithEmailAndPassword(email, pass)
-    .then(userCredential => {
-      // Sync happens automatically via onAuthStateChanged observer in head.php!
-      // The observer will reload the page when it receives the new state
-    })
-    .catch(error => {
-      btn.disabled = false;
-      let errMsg = error.message;
-      if (error.code === 'auth/wrong-password' || error.code === 'auth/user-not-found') {
-        errMsg = "Invalid email or password.";
-      }
-      showAlert(errMsg);
-    });
+  if (!window.fcLocal) return;
+  const goal = document.getElementById('profileGoal').value;
+  window.fcLocal.setGoal(goal);
+  document.getElementById('profileGoalVal').textContent = goalLabel(goal);
+  showAlert(langText.goal_saved);
 }
 
-function handleSignup(e) {
-  e.preventDefault();
-  const email = document.getElementById('signupEmail').value;
-  const pass = document.getElementById('signupPassword').value;
-  const confirm = document.getElementById('signupConfirm').value;
-  const goal = document.getElementById('signupGoal').value;
-  const btn = e.target.querySelector('button[type="submit"]');
-  const alertEl = document.getElementById('authAlert');
+function renderFavorites() {
+  const grid = document.getElementById('favoritesGrid');
+  const emptyState = document.getElementById('favoritesEmpty');
+  if (!window.fcLocal) return;
 
-  alertEl.style.display = 'none';
+  const slugs = window.fcLocal.getFavorites();
+  grid.innerHTML = '';
 
-  if (pass !== confirm) {
-    showAlert(langText.err_pass_match);
+  if (slugs.length === 0) {
+    grid.style.display = 'none';
+    emptyState.style.display = 'block';
     return;
   }
 
-  btn.disabled = true;
+  emptyState.style.display = 'none';
+  grid.style.display = 'grid';
 
-  window.auth.createUserWithEmailAndPassword(email, pass)
-    .then(userCredential => {
-      const user = userCredential.user;
-      // Save profile details to Firestore
-      return window.db.collection('users').doc(user.uid).set({
-        email: email,
-        goal: goal,
-        createdAt: firebase.firestore.FieldValue.serverTimestamp()
-      });
-    })
-    .then(() => {
-      // Sync is handled by observer in head.php!
-    })
-    .catch(error => {
-      btn.disabled = false;
-      showAlert(error.message);
-    });
-}
-
-function handleLogout() {
-  window.auth.signOut()
-    .then(() => {
-      // Sync observer takes care of PHP session termination and reloads page
-    });
-}
-
-// ── Profile and Favorites dashboard renderer ──
-function initDashboard(user) {
-  if (!user) return;
-  
-  const goalVal = document.getElementById('profileGoalVal');
-  const grid = document.getElementById('favoritesGrid');
-  const emptyState = document.getElementById('favoritesEmpty');
-  
-  // Fetch user profile from Firestore
-  window.db.collection('users').doc(user.uid).get()
-    .then(doc => {
-      if (doc.exists) {
-        const data = doc.data();
-        let goalString = '-';
-        if (data.goal === 'weight_loss') goalString = langText.goal_loose;
-        else if (data.goal === 'muscle_gain') goalString = langText.goal_gain;
-        else if (data.goal === 'healthy') goalString = langText.goal_healthy;
-        
-        goalVal.textContent = goalString;
-      }
-    })
-    .catch(err => console.error("Error loading profile: ", err));
-
-  // Load Saved Favorites
-  window.db.collection('user_favorites').where('userId', '==', user.uid).get()
-    .then(snapshot => {
-      grid.innerHTML = '';
-      
-      if (snapshot.empty) {
-        grid.style.display = 'none';
-        emptyState.style.display = 'block';
-        return;
-      }
-
-      emptyState.style.display = 'none';
-      grid.style.display = 'grid';
-
-      snapshot.forEach(doc => {
-        const fav = doc.data();
-        const recipe = recipeBank.find(r => r.slug === fav.recipeSlug);
-        
-        if (recipe) {
-          const card = document.createElement('article');
-          card.className = 'card card--bare reveal-target revealed';
-          card.innerHTML = `
-            <a href="${recipe.url}" class="card__image">
-              <img src="${recipe.hero}" alt="${recipe.title}" loading="lazy">
-            </a>
-            <div class="card__body">
-              <h4><a href="${recipe.url}">${recipe.title}</a></h4>
-              <div class="meta">
-                <span>⏱ ${recipe.total_time} min</span>
-                <span>🙂 ${recipe.difficulty}</span>
-              </div>
-            </div>
-          `;
-          grid.appendChild(card);
-        }
-      });
-      
-      // If none of the favorite slugs matched recipes in current language:
-      if (grid.children.length === 0) {
-        grid.style.display = 'none';
-        emptyState.style.display = 'block';
-      }
-    })
-    .catch(err => {
-      console.error("Error fetching favorites: ", err);
-      grid.innerHTML = '<p>Error loading favorites. Please try again.</p>';
-    });
-}
-
-// Observe auth state for dashboard renderer
-window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
-  window.auth.onAuthStateChanged(user => {
-    const authCard = document.getElementById('authCard');
-    const profileShell = document.getElementById('profileShell');
-    
-    if (user) {
-      document.getElementById('profileEmailVal').textContent = user.email;
-      document.getElementById('avatarChar').textContent = user.email.substr(0,1).toUpperCase();
-      authCard.style.display = 'none';
-      profileShell.style.display = 'grid';
-      initDashboard(user);
-    } else {
-      authCard.style.display = 'block';
-      profileShell.style.display = 'none';
-    }
+  slugs.forEach(function(slug) {
+    const recipe = recipeBank.find(function(r) { return r.slug === slug; });
+    if (!recipe) return;
+    const card = document.createElement('article');
+    card.className = 'card card--bare reveal-target revealed';
+    card.innerHTML =
+      '<a href="' + recipe.url + '" class="card__image">' +
+        '<img src="' + recipe.hero + '" alt="' + recipe.title + '" loading="lazy">' +
+      '</a>' +
+      '<div class="card__body">' +
+        '<h4><a href="' + recipe.url + '">' + recipe.title + '</a></h4>' +
+        '<div class="meta">' +
+          '<span>⏱ ' + recipe.total_time + ' min</span>' +
+          '<span>🙂 ' + recipe.difficulty + '</span>' +
+        '</div>' +
+      '</div>';
+    grid.appendChild(card);
   });
+
+  if (grid.children.length === 0) {
+    grid.style.display = 'none';
+    emptyState.style.display = 'block';
+  }
+}
+
+window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
+  if (!window.fcLocal) return;
+  const goal = window.fcLocal.getGoal();
+  const select = document.getElementById('profileGoal');
+  if (goal && select) select.value = goal;
+  document.getElementById('profileGoalVal').textContent = goalLabel(goal);
+  renderFavorites();
 });
 </script>
 
diff --git a/maintenance/db-unavailable.php b/maintenance/db-unavailable.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8cfbc41
--- /dev/null
+++ b/maintenance/db-unavailable.php
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="de">
+<head>
+  <meta charset="UTF-8">
+  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
+  <title>FlixCooks – Datenbank nicht verfügbar</title>
+  <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/style.css">
+  <style>
+    body {
+      min-height: 100vh;
+      display: grid;
+      place-items: center;
+      padding: 2rem;
+      text-align: center;
+    }
+    .db-error-card {
+      max-width: 32rem;
+      padding: 2rem;
+      border-radius: var(--radius, 16px);
+      border: 1px solid var(--stroke, rgba(255,255,255,0.12));
+      background: var(--surface-2, rgba(255,255,255,0.04));
+    }
+    .db-error-card h1 { margin-top: 0; }
+    .db-error-card code {
+      display: block;
+      margin: 1rem 0;
+      padding: 0.75rem;
+      font-size: 0.85rem;
+      text-align: left;
+      word-break: break-all;
+      background: rgba(0,0,0,0.2);
+      border-radius: 8px;
+    }
+  </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+  <div class="db-error-card">
+    <h1>Datenbank nicht verfügbar</h1>
+    <p>FlixCooks benötigt eine laufende PostgreSQL-Verbindung. Ohne Datenbank werden keine Rezepte angezeigt.</p>
+    <?php if (!empty($dbError)): ?>
+      <code><?php echo htmlspecialchars($dbError, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8'); ?></code>
+    <?php endif; ?>
+    <p><strong>Lokal prüfen:</strong></p>
+    <ol style="text-align: left; margin: 0 auto; max-width: 22rem;">
+      <li><code>DATABASE_URL</code> in <code>.env</code> setzen</li>
+      <li><code>docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml up -d</code></li>
+      <li><code>php scripts/db-check.php</code></li>
+      <li>Leere DB: <code>php scripts/db-seed.php</code></li>
+    </ol>
+  </div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/partials/footer.php b/partials/footer.php
index 792a0c9..34eda16 100644
--- a/partials/footer.php
+++ b/partials/footer.php
@@ -61,37 +61,23 @@
 })();
 
 
-// ── Newsletter subscription logic ──────────────────────────
+// ── Newsletter (mailto) ────────────────────────────────────
 function handleSubscribe(e) {
   e.preventDefault();
   var emailInput = document.getElementById('newsletterEmail');
   var feedback = document.getElementById('newsletterFeedback');
   var form = document.getElementById('newsletterForm');
-  var btn = form.querySelector('button');
   var email = emailInput.value.trim();
 
   if (!email) return;
 
-  btn.disabled = true;
-  feedback.className = 'newsletter-feedback';
-  feedback.textContent = '';
+  var subject = encodeURIComponent('FlixCooks Newsletter');
+  var body = encodeURIComponent('Please add me to the newsletter: ' + email);
+  window.location.href = 'mailto:<?php echo e($contactEmail); ?>?subject=' + subject + '&body=' + body;
 
-  window.db.collection('subscribers').doc(email.toLowerCase()).set({
-    email: email.toLowerCase(),
-    subscribedAt: firebase.firestore.FieldValue.serverTimestamp(),
-    status: 'active'
-  })
-  .then(function() {
-    form.classList.add('success');
-    emailInput.disabled = true;
-    feedback.className = 'newsletter-feedback success';
-    feedback.textContent = '<?php echo $langCode === "de" ? "Erfolgreich abonniert!" : "Successfully subscribed!"; ?>';
-  })
-  .catch(function(error) {
-    btn.disabled = false;
-    feedback.className = 'newsletter-feedback error';
-    feedback.textContent = '<?php echo $langCode === "de" ? "Fehler: " : "Error: "; ?>' + error.message;
-  });
+  form.classList.add('success');
+  feedback.className = 'newsletter-feedback success';
+  feedback.textContent = '<?php echo $langCode === "de" ? "E-Mail-Programm geöffnet – bitte absenden." : "Email client opened — please send."; ?>';
 }
 
 // ── Guest Modal Logic ──────────────────────────────────────
@@ -121,33 +107,12 @@ document.addEventListener('click', function(e) {
   }
 });
 
-// ── Favorites Toggle & Management ───────────────────────────
-var currentUser = null;
-var userFavSlugs = new Set();
-
-function syncFavorites(uid) {
-  window.db.collection('user_favorites').where('userId', '==', uid).get()
-    .then(function(snapshot) {
-      userFavSlugs.clear();
-      snapshot.forEach(function(doc) {
-        userFavSlugs.add(doc.data().recipeSlug);
-      });
-      updateHeartStates();
-    })
-    .catch(function(err) {
-      console.error("Error syncing favorites: ", err);
-    });
-}
-
-function clearFavorites() {
-  userFavSlugs.clear();
-  updateHeartStates();
-}
-
+// ── Favorites (localStorage) ───────────────────────────────
 function updateHeartStates() {
+  if (!window.fcLocal) return;
   document.querySelectorAll('.btn-favorite').forEach(function(btn) {
     var slug = btn.getAttribute('data-slug');
-    if (userFavSlugs.has(slug)) {
+    if (slug && window.fcLocal.hasFavorite(slug)) {
       btn.classList.add('active');
     } else {
       btn.classList.remove('active');
@@ -156,43 +121,12 @@ function updateHeartStates() {
 }
 
 function toggleFavorite(slug, btn) {
-  if (!currentUser) {
+  if (!window.fcLocal) {
     openGuestModal();
     return;
   }
-
-  var docId = currentUser.uid + '_' + slug;
-  var docRef = window.db.collection('user_favorites').doc(docId);
-
-  if (userFavSlugs.has(slug)) {
-    // Optimistic UI update
-    userFavSlugs.delete(slug);
-    btn.classList.remove('active');
-    
-    docRef.delete()
-      .catch(function(err) {
-        console.error("Error removing favorite: ", err);
-        // Rollback
-        userFavSlugs.add(slug);
-        btn.classList.add('active');
-      });
-  } else {
-    // Optimistic UI update
-    userFavSlugs.add(slug);
-    btn.classList.add('active');
-
-    docRef.set({
-      userId: currentUser.uid,
-      recipeSlug: slug,
-      createdAt: firebase.firestore.FieldValue.serverTimestamp()
-    })
-    .catch(function(err) {
-      console.error("Error adding favorite: ", err);
-      // Rollback
-      userFavSlugs.delete(slug);
-      btn.classList.remove('active');
-    });
-  }
+  window.fcLocal.toggleFavorite(slug);
+  updateHeartStates();
 }
 
 // Hook up event listeners to all favorite buttons dynamically
@@ -206,18 +140,8 @@ document.addEventListener('click', function(e) {
   }
 });
 
-// Setup Auth state observer for favorites
 window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
-  if (window.auth) {
-    window.auth.onAuthStateChanged(function(user) {
-      currentUser = user;
-      if (user) {
-        syncFavorites(user.uid);
-      } else {
-        clearFavorites();
-      }
-    });
-  }
+  updateHeartStates();
 });
 })();
 </script>
@@ -228,10 +152,10 @@ window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
     <button class="guest-modal-close" onclick="closeGuestModal()" aria-label="Close modal">×</button>
     <div class="guest-modal-icon">❤️</div>
     <h3><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Lieblingsrezept speichern' : 'Save your favorite recipe'; ?></h3>
-    <p><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Erstelle ein kostenloses Konto oder melde dich an, um Rezepte in deinen Favoriten zu speichern und deine Ernährungsziele zu verwalten.' : 'Create a free account or login to save recipes to your favorites and manage your dietary goals.'; ?></p>
+    <p><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Speichere Rezepte lokal in deinem Browser und verwalte dein Ernährungsziel im Profil.' : 'Save recipes locally in your browser and manage your dietary goal in your profile.'; ?></p>
     <div class="guest-modal-actions">
       <a class="btn-reveal" href="/login.php<?php echo $langSuffix; ?>">
-        <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Jetzt Anmelden' : 'Login / Register'; ?></span>
+        <span class="btn-reveal-text"><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Zum Profil' : 'Go to profile'; ?></span>
         <span class="btn-reveal-arrow">→</span>
       </a>
       <button class="underline-link" onclick="closeGuestModal()"><?php echo $langCode === 'de' ? 'Später' : 'Maybe later'; ?></button>
diff --git a/partials/head.php b/partials/head.php
index 68f9746..0636bb0 100644
--- a/partials/head.php
+++ b/partials/head.php
@@ -19,49 +19,7 @@ $description = $description ?? 'Seasonal recipes, tested tips, and approachable
 
   <!-- Main stylesheet -->
   <link rel="stylesheet" href="/assets/style.css">
-
-  <!-- Firebase v10 compat SDKs -->
-  <script src="https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/10.8.0/firebase-app-compat.js"></script>
-  <script src="https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/10.8.0/firebase-auth-compat.js"></script>
-  <script src="https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/10.8.0/firebase-firestore-compat.js"></script>
-  <script>
-    (function() {
-      var config = <?php echo json_encode(get_firebase_config()); ?>;
-      firebase.initializeApp(config);
-      window.auth = firebase.auth();
-      window.db = firebase.firestore();
-      
-      // Auto-sync PHP Session with Firebase Auth State
-      window.auth.onAuthStateChanged(function(user) {
-        var phpUser = <?php echo isset($_SESSION['fc_user']) ? json_encode($_SESSION['fc_user']) : 'null'; ?>;
-        if (user) {
-          if (!phpUser || phpUser.uid !== user.uid) {
-            user.getIdToken().then(function(token) {
-              var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
-              xhr.open('POST', '/api/session.php', true);
-              xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded');
-              xhr.send('action=login&uid=' + encodeURIComponent(user.uid) + '&email=' + encodeURIComponent(user.email) + '&token=' + encodeURIComponent(token));
-              xhr.onload = function() {
-                if (xhr.status === 200) {
-                  if (!phpUser) { window.location.reload(); }
-                }
-              };
-            });
-          }
-        } else {
-          if (phpUser) {
-            var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
-            xhr.open('POST', '/api/session.php', true);
-            xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded');
-            xhr.send('action=logout');
-            xhr.onload = function() {
-              window.location.reload();
-            };
-          }
-        }
-      });
-    })();
-  </script>
+  <script src="/assets/fc-local.js" defer></script>
 
   <!-- GSAP + ScrollTrigger (CDN) -->
   <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/gsap@3.12.5/dist/gsap.min.js"></script>
diff --git a/partials/header.php b/partials/header.php
index 3ce6e5b..e554769 100644
--- a/partials/header.php
+++ b/partials/header.php
@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ $langParamAmp = isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? '&lang=de' : '';
         <li>
           <a href="/login.php<?php echo $langParam; ?>" class="slide-hover-link" <?php echo $currentPage === 'login.php' ? 'aria-current="page"' : ''; ?>>
             <span class="slide-hover-wrapper">
-              <span class="slide-text-main"><?php echo isset($_SESSION['fc_user']) ? (isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Profil' : 'Profile') : (isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Anmelden' : 'Login'); ?></span>
-              <span class="slide-text-clone" aria-hidden="true"><?php echo isset($_SESSION['fc_user']) ? (isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Profil' : 'Profile') : (isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Anmelden' : 'Login'); ?></span>
+              <span class="slide-text-main"><?php echo isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Profil' : 'Profile'; ?></span>
+              <span class="slide-text-clone" aria-hidden="true"><?php echo isset($lang) && $lang === 'de' ? 'Profil' : 'Profile'; ?></span>
             </span>
           </a>
         </li>
diff --git a/recipe.php b/recipe.php
index 2aeaca2..2b434b0 100644
--- a/recipe.php
+++ b/recipe.php
@@ -1,6 +1,12 @@
 <?php
 require __DIR__ . '/helpers.php';
 
+try {
+    $allRecipes = load_recipes();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    handle_database_unavailable($e);
+}
+
 $lang = (isset($_GET['lang']) && strtolower($_GET['lang']) === 'de') ? 'de' : 'en';
 $copy = [
     'en' => [
@@ -46,9 +52,8 @@ $copy = [
 ];
 $t = $copy[$lang];
 
-$allRecipes       = load_recipes();
 $slug             = isset($_GET['slug']) ? trim($_GET['slug']) : '';
-$recipeRaw        = $slug ? find_recipe_by_slug($allRecipes, $slug) : null;
+$recipeRaw        = $slug ? load_recipe_by_slug($slug) : null;
 $recipe           = $recipeRaw ? localize_recipe($recipeRaw, $lang) : null;
 $allRecipesLocal  = localize_recipes($allRecipes, $lang);
 
diff --git a/scripts/db-check.php b/scripts/db-check.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..83869d3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/db-check.php
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+<?php
+/**
+ * Kurzer Verbindungstest zur lokalen Postgres-Instanz.
+ * Aufruf (im Projektroot):
+ *   php scripts/db-check.php
+ */
+require_once dirname(__DIR__) . '/config.php';
+require_once dirname(__DIR__) . '/helpers.php';
+
+if (!extension_loaded('pdo_pgsql')) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, "PHP-Extension pdo_pgsql fehlt. z. B.: sudo apt install php-pgsql\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+$url = getenv('DATABASE_URL');
+if (!$url) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, "DATABASE_URL ist nicht gesetzt. In .env eintragen (siehe .env.example).\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+try {
+    $pdo = require_database();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, $e->getMessage() . "\n");
+    fwrite(STDERR, "Prüfe: Docker läuft?  docker compose -f docker-compose.dev.yml ps\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+$count = (int) $pdo->query('SELECT COUNT(*) FROM recipes')->fetchColumn();
+echo "Verbindung OK. Rezepte in DB: {$count}\n";
+
+if ($count === 0) {
+    echo "Hinweis: Leere DB – einmalig seeden mit: php scripts/db-seed.php\n";
+} else {
+    $stmt = $pdo->query(
+        "SELECT r.slug, t.title
+         FROM recipes r
+         LEFT JOIN recipe_translations t ON t.recipe_slug = r.slug AND t.lang = 'en'
+         LIMIT 5"
+    );
+    echo "\nBeispiel-Zeilen:\n";
+    while ($row = $stmt->fetch()) {
+        echo "  - {$row['slug']}: {$row['title']}\n";
+    }
+}
diff --git a/scripts/db-seed.php b/scripts/db-seed.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3d9184f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/db-seed.php
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+<?php
+/**
+ * Einmaliger Import aus data/recipes.json in die relationale DB.
+ * Die Website liest zur Laufzeit nur noch aus Postgres.
+ *
+ *   php scripts/db-seed.php
+ */
+require_once dirname(__DIR__) . '/helpers.php';
+
+$seedPath = dirname(__DIR__) . '/data/recipes.json';
+if (!file_exists($seedPath)) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, "Seed-Datei fehlt: data/recipes.json\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+$raw = file_get_contents($seedPath);
+$recipes = json_decode($raw, true);
+if (!is_array($recipes)) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, "Ungültiges JSON in data/recipes.json\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+try {
+    $pdo = require_database();
+} catch (DatabaseUnavailableException $e) {
+    fwrite(STDERR, $e->getMessage() . "\n");
+    exit(1);
+}
+
+$count = 0;
+foreach ($recipes as $recipe) {
+    if (!is_array($recipe) || empty($recipe['slug'])) {
+        continue;
+    }
+    if (save_recipe($recipe, $pdo)) {
+        $count++;
+        echo "  + {$recipe['slug']}\n";
+    } else {
+        fwrite(STDERR, "  ! Fehler bei {$recipe['slug']}\n");
+    }
+}
+
+echo "\nImport abgeschlossen: {$count} Rezepte.\n";
diff --git a/scripts/schema.sql b/scripts/schema.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7aa5983
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/schema.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+-- FlixCooks relational recipe schema (PostgreSQL)
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipes (
+    slug VARCHAR(255) PRIMARY KEY,
+    hero TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    prep_time INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    cook_time INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    total_time INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    servings INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 2,
+    featured BOOLEAN NOT NULL DEFAULT FALSE,
+    coming_soon BOOLEAN NOT NULL DEFAULT FALSE,
+    calories INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    protein INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    carbs INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    fat INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0,
+    created_at TIMESTAMPTZ NOT NULL DEFAULT NOW(),
+    updated_at TIMESTAMPTZ NOT NULL DEFAULT NOW()
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipe_translations (
+    recipe_slug VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL REFERENCES recipes(slug) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    lang CHAR(2) NOT NULL CHECK (lang IN ('en', 'de')),
+    title TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    description TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    category TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    difficulty TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    PRIMARY KEY (recipe_slug, lang)
+);
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipe_tags (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    recipe_slug VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL REFERENCES recipes(slug) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    lang CHAR(2) NOT NULL CHECK (lang IN ('en', 'de')),
+    tag TEXT NOT NULL,
+    sort_order INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recipe_tags_slug_lang ON recipe_tags (recipe_slug, lang);
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipe_ingredients (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    recipe_slug VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL REFERENCES recipes(slug) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    lang CHAR(2) NOT NULL CHECK (lang IN ('en', 'de')),
+    content TEXT NOT NULL,
+    sort_order INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recipe_ingredients_slug_lang ON recipe_ingredients (recipe_slug, lang);
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipe_utensils (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    recipe_slug VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL REFERENCES recipes(slug) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    lang CHAR(2) NOT NULL CHECK (lang IN ('en', 'de')),
+    content TEXT NOT NULL,
+    sort_order INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recipe_utensils_slug_lang ON recipe_utensils (recipe_slug, lang);
+
+CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS recipe_steps (
+    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+    recipe_slug VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL REFERENCES recipes(slug) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    lang CHAR(2) NOT NULL CHECK (lang IN ('en', 'de')),
+    content TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    video_url TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    timer_minutes INTEGER,
+    sort_order INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 0
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_recipe_steps_slug_lang ON recipe_steps (recipe_slug, lang);