The invention relates to a male connector (13) for being connected to a female connector (1) whose female connector housing (2), on the outer face (9) of same, comprises an engaging lug (10). The male connector (13) comprises a male connector housing (14) with a resilient locking arm (22) with engaging means (23) and with releasing faces (27) near the end of the locking arm (22) which is remote from the engaging means (23). The male connector (13) is associated with a slide (30) which is held on the male connector (13) so as to be axially displaceable relative thereto to a limited extent. In the locking position, the slide (30) prevents the locking arm (22) from being deflected and releases the locking arm (22) in a position deviating from the locking position. Pressure springs (37) which are supported on the male connector housing (14) and on the slide (30) load the slide (30) to enable same to assume its locking position. A resilient retaining element (38) made of steel is secured to the slide (30) and is provided with a retaining face (41) and a setting face (43). The retaining face (41), in the untensioned position of the spring arm (40), serves to establish contact with the end face (6) of the male connector housing (2). As a result of the setting faces (43) stopping against the releasing faces (27) of the male connector housing (14), the retaining face (41) is made to lose contact with the end face (6).