Abstract: A coupling element for a sterile flange connection for connecting fluid channels, comprising a fluid-contacting surface, a first opening end and a second opening end of the fluid-contacting surface, a flange part at the first opening end and/or at the second opening end, a connection plane, the connection plane being arranged normal to an axial coupling element axis of the coupling element and occluding the respective opening end of the coupling element in a delimiting manner, and a film, the film closing at least the first opening end of the fluid-contacting surface, with the coupling element comprising at least one film holding element separate from the coupling element and comprising a film-contacting surface to which the film is removably connected.