<p>The transponder (2) has a control element connected with a reception element, a transmission element and a visual display unit (6). A transponder identification information unit and a state/operational information unit are read from a memory element via the transmission element. The state/operational information unit is supplied to the memory element via the reception element. The transponder is designed such that a portion of the information contained in the state/operational information unit is displayed on the display unit. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an information system comprising a communication system and a transponder (2) a method for operating an information system.</p>
