In order to improve a lid for closing a receptacle, which is formed by a container bottom and container walls and defines a holding space, of a sterile container which comprises the lid and which is developed in particular for holding surgical instruments or material and preserving the latter in a sterile state, wherein the lid comprises an angular cover place which has a plurality of lid corners and closes the holding space in a closure position, such that it can be quickly and securely mounted on the receptacle and transferred to the closure position, it is proposed that the lid should have a mounting aid for mounting the lid on the receptacle, that the mounting aid should comprise a plurality of mounting aid elements and that the mounting aid elements should each overlap at least one container wall at least partly in the closure position. It is further proposed that a sterile container be improved by comprising such a lid for closing a receptacle.