Abstract: A device to detachably connect two, e.g., plate-shaped subassemblies, includes a control element with a projecting retaining portion which can be inserted into aligned openings of the subassemblies and with a head portion to be braced against the first subassembly. The projecting retaining portion has at least one lateral first recess to receive and engage with at lest one locking element of a holding element. The locking element yields flexibly and resiliently when inserting the control element into the holding element. The holding element also has expanding elements to brace against a rear side of the second subassembly. Both the control element and the holding element can be inserted individually in succession or together from a front side of the first subassembly into the aligned openings. The holding element with the expanding elements can be inserted into the openings.