A filter element includes a filter medium (10) extending between two end caps (12, 14) that are respectively connected to an associable end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10). The filter medium is supported at least on one side on a supporting tube (20). At least one of the end caps (14) and/or at least one end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10) has a contacting device (22) and/or the respective end cap (14) itself or its parts are embodied in such a way as to derive the electrostatic charges, especially occurring during the operation of the filter element to ensure that the charge generated on the filter medium (Meshpack) by tribo-electrical effects can escape towards a mass point or a mass site via the contacting device (22) or the respective end cap (14).