A sample retainer for a microscope is described, comprising a sample stage (32), a holder (34) arranged on the sample stage (32), a sample carrier (36), couplable to the holder (34), to which a sample is attachable, and an adjusting apparatus (44), engaging on the holder (34), with which with the sample carrier (36), together with the holder (34) to which the sample carrier (36) is coupled, is displaceable on the sample stage (32), relative to the objective (46), into a target position. A decoupling apparatus that decouples the sample carrier (36), arranged in the target position, from the holder (34) upon imaging of the sample through the objective (46) is provided.