A guiding or holding device has a U-shaped or C-shaped receiving element (1, 1/1, 1/2) for receiving a pipe, flexible tube or a cable. The receiving element (1, 1/1, 1/2) has a coupling section (3, 3/1, 3/2) for detachable coupling with other components. The coupling section (3, 3/1, 3/2) is arranged in a circumferential area of the receiving element (1, 1/1, 1/2) and has an outer mounting surface (4, 4/1, 4/2), in the area of which coupling elements (20, 21, 20/1, 21/1, 20/2, 21/2, 24, 24/1, 24/2) projecting over the mounting surface (4, 4/1, 4/2) as well as protruding into the mounting surface are arranged. With the coupling elements (20, 21, 20/1, 21/1, 20/2, 21/2, 24, 24/1, 24/2), the receiving element (1, 1/1, 1/2) can be coupled as desired with another receiving element (1, 1/1 or 1/2), with a holding element (60) or with a connection element (40, 50).