A filter element for filtering a fluid is provided with a filter bellows made of a filter medium folded along fold edges in a zigzag shape to form folds, wherein the folds extend between oppositely positioned end face edges of the filter bellows. The filter bellows defines a raw side and a clean side of the filter element, wherein a fluid to be filtered flows from the raw side to the clean side. The filter medium has faces that are flowed through by the fluid to be filtered. The filter medium is provided at least on one of the faces that are flowed through with beads extending transversely to the fold edges. In a proper operating state of the filter bellows, the beads effect a flow of at least a portion of the fluid to be filtered in a direction perpendicular to the fold edges.