Abstract: The carrying handle comprises a handle strip and two terminal legs, which are articulated to the narrow side of the container. The legs are subdivided into two portions, which are interconnected by means of an intermediate joint. The articulation axis of the intermediate joint and of the container side joint are parallel to the handle strip. The leg portions are bent in the inoperative position of the carrying handle, so that they come to rest parallel to one another. Thus, the legs are shortened in the inoperative position, so that they do not project over the outer edges, particularly in the case of narrow containers and are instead located within the predetermined dimensions.