A projection objective for microlithography includes at least one optical assembly with optical elements which are disposed between an object plane and an image plane. The optical assembly includes at least one optical terminal element, which is disposed close to the image plane. A first immersion liquid is disposed on the image oriented surface of the optical terminal element. A second immersion liquid is disposed on the object oriented surface of the optical terminal element. The object oriented surface includes a first surface section for the imaging light to enter into the terminal element, and the image oriented surface includes a second surface portion for the imaging light to exit from the terminal element.