The invention relates to a catalytic converter for purifying the exhaust gases of diesel engines, in particular an oxidation catalytic converter, which is particularly effective for the purification of the exhaust gases of heavy goods vehicles if further exhaust-gas purification units such as for example a particle filter and/or a nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter are connected downstream thereof. The catalytic converter contains two catalytically active coatings which differ in terms of their composition and of which only one is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas. The coating (1) which is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas is platinum-rich and, overall, contains more high-grade metal (platinum and palladium) than the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas.; The platinum-rich coating (1) exhibits a markedly intense oxidation action in particular with regard to NO oxidation, while the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas serves to ensure good heat-up performance of the catalytic converter.