The present invention relates to a plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″) with a plugging section (2) which is configured to be able to be brought together in a direction of plugging (Z) of the plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″) with a mating plug element (100) and has at least one receptacle (5) for an electrical plug-in contact, and with a contact lock member (8) which, at least in its securing position (S), projects, at least in sections, into the receptacle (5). In order, with the smallest possible external dimensions of the plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″), to be able simply to feel that the securing position (S) has been reached, provision is made according to the invention for the contact lock member (8) in the securing position (S) to release a test path (P) along which a test member (3, 200) can be moved past a test stop (18).