A device for reducing the number of particles in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes at least two structures through which an exhaust gas can flow, initially through a first structure and then through a second structure during operation. An electrical potential difference can be generated between the structures. In this way, the exhaust gas downstream of the second structure has fewer particles, averaged over time, than the exhaust gas upstream of the first structure. In addition, the particles downstream of the second structure have a larger mean diameter than those upstream of the first structure, so that it is possible to reduce emissions, in particular of fine dust, in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines. A method for reducing the number of particles in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, is also provided.