a control element for an electric control device is disclosed that includes a freely programmable symbolic system , whereby the symbols are projected into a side of the control element that is facing away from the operator by a controllable display unit and an illuminating device arranged in front thereof , or by a controllable display unit and an optics , or by a controllable display unit and a light guide , and whereby the symbols are made visible by a transmissive layer on the side of the control element that faces the operator , whereby alternating symbols are generated in the display unit .