The invention relates to a holding-down means (100) for fixing battery cells (2) in a battery submodule (70), comprising positioning elements for positioning the holding-down means (100) relative to the battery cells (2), and comprising guide elements for guiding cell connectors (80) which connect the battery cells (2), wherein gas-venting openings which pass through from a top side to a bottom side are provided in a central region of the holding-down means (100), and wherein the sealing elements which surround the gas-venting openings are provided on the bottom side of the holding-down means(100). The invention also relates to a battery submodule (70) which comprises a plurality of battery cells (2) and cell connectors (80) which connect the battery cells (2), and also at least one holding-down means (100) for fixing the battery cells (2).