A connecting element for connecting at least two rails adapted for mounting semiconductor light sources. The connecting element has a bottom wall and two side walls emerging from the bottom wall on opposite sides. The walls form a U-shaped profile. The connecting element is configured for accommodating at least one rail adapted for mounting semiconductor light sources in an accommodating area delimited by the bottom wall and the side walls, and the connecting element has latching elements arranged with a regular longitudinal pattern on at least one wall for latching with the accommodated rail.