In this paper we propose a finite element method for the approximation ofsecond order elliptic problems on composite grids. The method isbased on continuous piecewise polynomial approximation on eachgrid and weak enforcement of the proper continuity at anartificial interface defined by edges (or faces) of one the grids.We prove optimal order a priori and energy type a posteriori error estimates in 2 and 3 space dimensions,and present some numerical examples.