A lock system including a first device which has at least two states and is embodied as a control device, and an associated second device which is embodied in the manner of an electronic key, an ID signal generator, a chip card or the like. The two devices have transmitters and/or receivers for, in particular, electromagnetic signals. In particular, at least one of the signals transmitted between the second device and the first device is an encoded operating signal for authenticating the second device, with the result that after positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal in the case of an authorized second device it is possible to bring about a change in the state of the first device.