Abstract: A connecting element for suspending an article from a structural element and for detachably connecting several articles with one another has a center part, a first lateral end area and a second lateral end area, wherein a first bent area connects the first lateral end area to the center part and a second bent area connects the second lateral end area to the center part. The first and second end areas are positioned within a common first plane and the center part is positioned in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are parallel to one another and spaced at a spacing from one another. The spacing between the first and second planes is defined by a height of the first and second bent areas, respectively. The connecting element has two lateral openings; or a central cutout; or two lateral openings and a central cutout.

Abstract: A hook element for detachably connecting two objects with one another has a first hook shank, a second hook shank, and a hook bow connecting the first and second hook shanks with one another. The hook bow has a lateral cutout. At least one of the first and second hook shanks has a slanted contact surface. The slanted contact surface extends on the front side of the hook shank from the outer side to the inner side and extends along the forward edge of the hook shank over the entire length of the hook shank. The hook elements can be easily connected to one another even when not aligned but rotated relative to one another.