The method according to the invention of connecting a metal fastening element (1) to a metal workpiece (5), wherein the fastening element (1) comprises a carrier (2), which carries a solder material (3), to which the carrier (2) is connected in an electrically conductive manner, comprises the following process steps: the solder material (3) is introduced into an indentation (8) in the carrier (2) and provided with a convex contour (4) directed towards the workpiece (5) to be soldered; a voltage is applied between the fastening element (1) and the workpiece (5) so an electrical arc (6) between solder material (3) and workpiece (5) effects a selective melting-on of the solder material (3); the fastening element (1) is pressed against the workpiece (5). The method as well as the fastening element (1), which is suitably designed for said method with a contour (4) of the solder material (3) directed towards the workpiece (5) to be soldered, is notable for the fact that a local, selective melting of the solder material (3) is achieved and unnecessary thermal loading of surrounding regions is avoided. Thus, a particularly stable solder joint is achieved between fastening element (1) and workpiece (5).