A plug connector suitable for use as an airbag squib connector is presented. The plug connector includes a connector housing, having a plug-in portion and at least one female contact terminal that is arranged at least partially in the plug-in portion. The plug connector further includes a grounding contact, having an intermediate section and a contact section formed from sheet metal. The sections have respective main surfaces and circumferential edges. The contact section is configured to electrically contact a corresponding grounding contact of a counter-connector. The intermediate section branches off from the contact section. The main surfaces of the intermediate section and the contact section are parallel to the mating direction.