The invention relates to a heat-generating element comprising a PTC element (2) and a contact piece (6) which is electrically conductively attached to a lateral surface (4) of the PTC element (2) andwhich is provided for feeding the PTC element (2) with different polarities. The aim of the invention is to permanently and reliably establish a contact between a contact piece and a PTC element and to easily operate a heat-generating element within the scope of a production scheme. According to the invention, at least one contact piece (6) is provided with a retaining tab (12), which rests against the opposite side (4) of the PTC element (2), on which the other contact piece (6) rests in an electrically conductive manner, with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and which engages over the PTC element (2) in a form-fitting manner.