In an embodiment, the present invention provides a filter element including: a bellows in the shape of a zig-zag having pleat walls and a pleat ridge, edges of the pleat walls and the pleat ridge being provided with edge elements; and a frame element being assigned to at least one end pleat of the bellows. The frame element surrounds the end pleat so as to form a positive fit on both sides, the frame element being fixed to the edge elements.