Abstract: An RFID reading apparatus (10) is provided for reading RFID transponders (22) in a reading zone (24) in accordance with an RFID protocol, the RFID reading apparatus having an antenna (16, 26), a receiver (12, 18) for receiving RFID signals of the RFID transponders (22) with the aid of the antenna (16, 26) and an evaluation unit (12, 18) for reading a piece of RFID information from the received RFID signals, wherein the antenna (16, 28) is an external antenna (16) connected via a line (14) and has a display element (30) and/or has an operating element (32) which can be controlled by the evaluation unit (12, 18). In this respect, the external antenna (16) has a communication unit (28) for controlling the display element (30) and/or the operating element (32); and wherein the communication unit (28) is configured to communicate with the evaluation unit (12, 18) via the line (14) in accordance with the RFID protocol.