Generation of trigger events using RFID tags

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting a transponder (8) having labels for identification by means of electromagnetic waves (RFID), whereby a synchronization unit (3) electromagnetically to the transponder (8) is coupled in response to an occurrence of a data exchange outputting a trigger signal (6) for activating an auxiliary system (9) with the transponder (8). It can thus any devices be activated simply and clearly by means of an identification number of the transponder (8) is identified, wherein the location of the transponder (8) the auxiliary system (9) with output of the trigger signal (6) by means of the third antenna (4), an additional modulation contributes to determining a distance to the reading device (7).