An apparatus is described for the removal of solid components from the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, in particular for the removal of soot components from the exhaust gases of self-igniting combustion engines. Under the influence of electrostatic fields, the solid components are diverted and carried to a fresh-air current flowing toward the intake side of the engine. This recirculation of the solid components may be effected either by means of the recirculation of a partial flow of the exhaust gas which has been enriched with solid components, in which case the solid components are deflected into this partial flow in an electrostatic field, or these solid components may be guided into the fresh-air current aspirated by the engine, in this case with the cooperation of a mechanical transport means and electrostatic bonding forces.