The invention relates to a charging station (1), in particular for electric vehicles, having at least one charging point (5) comprising a charging plug (7) for electrical connection to an electrical device to be charged, and having at least one adapter receptacle (9) which is adapted to receive a plug adapter (3) for use with the charging plug (7), wherein the adapter receptacle (9) is adapted to alternately adopt a plurality of modes, wherein the adapter receptacle (9) is adapted to hold the plug adapter (3) secured against unauthorized removal in a locking mode of the plurality of states and to release the plug adapter (3) for removal in an unlocking mode of the plurality of states, wherein the charging station (1) further comprises a control device (11) which is operatively connected to the adapter receptacle (9) and adapted to monitor a current mode of the adapter receptacle (9).