The invention relates to a cable connecting device for a connecting apparatus for the variable connection of cables, having a connecting module which has cable connecting elements for detachably connecting two cables, and having a module carrier which can be detachably connected to the connecting module and can be detachably fixed to a holding device of the connecting apparatus. The invention also relates to a connecting apparatus with a cable connecting device of this kind. In order to develop the connecting apparatus and the cable connecting device in such a way that mounting of said devices is simplified, with the connecting module being reliably held on the module carrier, it is proposed according to the invention that the connecting module can be inserted into a receiving passage in the module carrier in a mounting direction and can be latched to the module carrier in a latching position.