A contact element includes: an electrical contact portion for plug-in connection to an associated mating contact element; a contact body connected to the contact portion and forming an insertion space into which an electrical conductor is insertable in an insertion direction for electrical connection to the contact element; and a spring element which is arranged on the contact body and has a first spring leg for bearing on the contact body and a second spring leg for interacting with the electrical conductor inserted into the insertion space. The first spring leg is interlockingly connectable to the contact body by being placeable with an opening on a fastening device of the contact body.