The invention relates to a connecting device (10) for the articulate connection of a wiper arm to a wiper blade (12) according to a side-lock principle, comprising a connecting element (36) that is fastened to the wiper arm and that runs laterally in relation to a connection element (24) fastened on the wiper blade (12) and that carries a bearing element (34, 38) forming a pivot bearing with a bearing element (34, 38) on the connection element (24), said pivot bearing running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (12), wherein a locking device (40) secures the bearing elements (34, 38) during pivoting into an operational position in the direction of the pivot axis relative to each other. According to the invention, a coding device (46, 52) is provided between the connecting element (36) and the connection element (24) that allows pivoting of the wiper blade (12) into the operational position only if the wiper blade (12) is intended for operation with the associated wiper arm.