An apparatus for filling a container with a free-flowing material includes a probe, a probe end, a return gas pipe, a gas channel, an opening, and a first electrical probe contact. During filling, the probe extends into the container along an axial direction with the probe's end determining the filling height. The probe includes a return gas pipe with an opening disposed at its end. The first electrical probe contact is formed at the probe end so that it is offset along the axial direction from the opening.