A filter element is provided for a filter element stack. The filter element includes a carrier body (4), at least one spacer which can be subjected to throughflow and at least one filter membrane covering this. The spacer at least partly is formed by a knitted fabric of plastic threads which on one side is covered by a membrane of plastic material, to which it is fixedly connected, and forms a filter material (8) to be fastened on the carrier body (4) with a positive fit (FIG. 5).