A filter element to be inserted into a filter housing, has a filter medium with a rim, wherein the rim is connected to an injection-molded frame or at least one injection-molded frame element, providing a flexibly bendable filter element using a frame made of plastic attached by injection molding, wherein the frame or at least one frame element is made of plastics of different hardnesses in alternation in at least one extension direction, such that the filter element can be bent flexibly at least in part by deforming the filter medium and the frame or frame element.