A filter element for a filter device has a filter housing (3; 4). The filter element (1) includes a receiving part (19) which, when the filter element (1) is located in the filter housing (3; 4) in the operational position, comes into fluid communication with a housing part (17; 18) of the filter housing (3; 4) to form a fluid connection (9). The receiving part (19) of the filter element (1) has an inner, first guiding path (37) for sealing contact to the housing part (17) of the filter housing (3) according to a first mode of construction and an outer, second guiding path (51) for sealing contact to the housing part (18) of the filter housing (4) according to a second mode of construction.