Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection of electrically conducting objects with: a first and a second coil, which can produce simultaneously magnetic fields with opposite polarity and a third coil which is arranged in the region of the opposing magnetic fields, and an electronic means, which during and/or after the supply of the first and second coils with a current pulse acquires an induction voltage in the third coil, or which, during the supply of the third coil with a current pulse, acquires an induction voltage in the first and second coils, so that an electrically conducting object produces a detectable signal in the acquired induction voltage when present in the range of one of the magnetic fields, wherein the current pulse comprises a step-shaped rise and/or a step-shaped fall, such as for example in the shape of a rectangular pulse.