A power transfer system includes: a transmitting device having a transmitting coil and a receiving device having a receiving coil, the two coils being inductively coupleable to one another for the purpose of transferring power, so that a power transfer path exists between them; an electrical load for connecting with terminals of the receiving coil; a detection device for detecting an electrical parameter which indicates the inductance of the transmitting coil while the electrical load is connected to the receiving coil; and a determination device for determining an object in the area of the power transfer path on the basis of the detected parameter.