Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a filter element (13) for insertion into a vacuum cleaner, with an upper side (14), a lower side (15) which lies opposite the upper side (14), a filter body (19) which extends from the upper side (14) to the lower side (15) and which forms a wall (26) of a clean air space which is situated between the upper side and the lower side, and with a conveying opening (17) which is arranged on the upper side (14), opens into the clean air space, and through which an air flow which is driven by way of the vacuum cleaner can be conveyed. According to the invention, a deflecting surface (20) which extends in the direction of the lower side (15) is arranged in the clean air space below the conveying opening (17), which deflecting surface (20) is configured to deflect an air flow which is introduced through the conveying opening (17) in the direction of the wall (26) of the clean air space.