Connecting element, comprising - at least one connection bracket with at least one contact element, - at least one dirt guard, and - at least one opening element, - wherein the connecting element can be inserted into a mating element in a direction of insertion, - wherein the dirt guard optionally has an opened state in which the connection bracket is uncovered, and a closed state in which the connection bracket is covered, - wherein the dirt guard is operatively connected to the opening element, so that by a process of inserting the connecting element into the mating element a movement of the opening element counter to the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the dirt guard into the opened state and a movement of the opening element in the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the dirt guard into the closed state, and - wherein the connection bracket is operatively connected to the opening element, so that a movement of the opening element counter to the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the connection bracket into an extended position in the direction of insertion and a movement of the opening element in the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the connection bracket into a retracted position counter to the direction of insertion, wherein the opening element is a cylindrical pin which extends along the direction of insertion, wherein said cylindrical pin has a first end which is guided in a rail and is operatively connected to the connection bracket and to the dirt guard and has a free second end opposing the first end, and wherein in the closed state of the dirt guard the second end of the opening element is situated in the direction of insertion in front of the dirt guard and the connection bracket. - at least one connection bracket with at least one contact element, - at least one dirt guard, and - at least one opening element, - wherein the connecting element can be inserted into a mating element in a direction of insertion, - wherein the dirt guard optionally has an opened state in which the connection bracket is uncovered, and a closed state in which the connection bracket is covered, - wherein the dirt guard is operatively connected to the opening element, so that by a process of inserting the connecting element into the mating element a movement of the opening element counter to the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the dirt guard into the opened state and a movement of the opening element in the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the dirt guard into the closed state, and - wherein the connection bracket is operatively connected to the opening element, so that a movement of the opening element counter to the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the connection bracket into an extended position in the direction of insertion and a movement of the opening element in the direction of insertion causes a displacement of the connection bracket into a retracted position counter to the direction of insertion, wherein the opening element is a cylindrical pin which extends along the direction of insertion, wherein said cylindrical pin has a first end which is guided in a rail and is operatively connected to the connection bracket and to the dirt guard and has a free second end opposing the first end, and wherein in the closed state of the dirt guard the second end of the opening element is situated in the direction of insertion in front of the dirt guard and the connection bracket.