A deformation structure, which is an energy absorption structure, has a series of deformation elements arranged one behind the other in a deformation direction, i.e. the direction in which a load acts. Each two adjacent deformation elements are coupled together by a coupling mechanism, such that in a first load case, in particular a first collision load case, two adjacent deformation elements enter into a latching engagement with one another or are positioned in a latching engagement, such that a relative displacement of the adjacent deformation elements with respect to one another in the deformation direction is prevented, or at least made more difficult, and a deforming of the deformation structure occurs at a high level of force, and in a second load case, in particular a second collision load case, two adjacent deformation elements do not enter into the latching engagement or leave a latching engagement, such that a relative displacement of the adjacent deformation elements in the deformation direction is enabled, or at least made easier, and a deforming of the deformation structure occurs at a low level of force.