In an apparatus for recognizing couplings between a first and a second component of a system, one of the two components is provided with an identification unit. A checking unit is operatively connected to the second component. The identification unit contains an item of information relating to the first component. The checking unit is designed for recognizing and processing this item of information. The checking unit moreover is designed such that, as a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, it allows or prevents coupling between the first and the second component. This apparatus enables a combined use of system components only in the case of an admissible coupling thereof.
