The dispenser (1) is configured to couple with a container (100) containing at least one chemical agent (101) and to dispense the chemical agent (101) when the dispenser (1) has been coupled with the container (100). The container (100) may be introduced into a receiving space (5) of the dispenser (1) into a coupling position. The dispenser (1) has a sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of container information or container content information and an occupancy sensor (8), which detects whether a container (100) that has been inserted into the receiving space (5) is in the coupling position. Only when the container (100) is in the coupling position, then the occupancy sensor (8) will activate the sensor (7) for the contact-free detection of container information or container content information, which detects in the activated state the container information or container content information and examines the correctness thereof. If this is positive, the sensor (7) initiates a release of the dispenser (1) into an operational state, wherein the chemical agent (101) may be dispensed from the container (100).