An illuminant (1) is provided having at least one luminous element unit (2, 2a, 2b) that has a support (3, 3a, 3b), at least one light-emitting element that is arranged on a support (3, 3a, 3b) and is surrounded by an encapsulation material (4, 4a, 4b), at least one contact area formed on the support (3, 3a, 3b) and at least one contact element (6, 6a, 6b) that is arranged on the contact area, wherein the light-emitting element surrounded by an encapsulation material (4, 4a, 4b) is electrically connected to the contact element (6, 6a, 6b) via the contact area, and having at least one mating contact element (8, 8a, 8b, 8c), wherein the mating contact element (8a, 8b, 8c) can have electrical contact made with it by the contact element (6, 6a, 6b) via a plug connection.