A panel element may be provided for a covering. In particular, a panel element for a floor, wall or ceiling covering, which covering may be formed by a plurality of panel elements of the same kind which are connected to one another. Each panel element has a basic body having a defined total thickness and upper and a lower surfaces. The basic body has in each case differently contoured longitudinal sides and in each case differently contoured end faces. One longitudinal side has groove-like contouring and the other longitudinal side has tongue-like contouring corresponding thereto.