A method and a device for identifying an object among several possible objects permits an object to be automatically identified among several possible objects and can be used, for example, in household appliances. The invention improves automatic identification of these objects so that the objects can be reliably recognized without error by identifying the inherent properties of the objects such that additional identification marks can be avoided. Depending upon the number and type of the objects that are to be distinguished, the method includes determining at least a sufficient amount of measured values for measuring different physical properties so that the object is identified based upon at least one physical property thereof.