A filter element (1) with a tubular folded bag (2) of folded filter material, which has a plurality of fold blades (3) adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction (10) of the folded bag (2) a closure cover (4) is attached at at least one axial end (7) of the folded bag (2). In order to provide a filter element which can be bent to any desired curved form while maintaining a high degree of filtration performance, and can be produced in a cost effective manner, the fold blades (3) of a folded bag (2) are provided with a combination of diagonal folds extending at an angle relative to each other such that the fold blades (3) in the longitudinal direction (10) of the folded bag extend back and forth and thereby form a three-dimensional crown structure (18). At least the outer margin of the closure cover (4) has a form corresponding to the crown structure (18) of the fold blades (3).