An exhaust gas system for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, particularly a diesel engine in a motor vehicle, conducts the exhaust gas in a specific flow direction. A catalytic converter, particularly for converting hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides contained in the exhaust gas, an oxidation catalytic converter, particularly for converting nitrogen monoxide contained in the exhaust gas and a particulate trap for collecting particulates contained in the exhaust gas, are disposed successively in the flow direction. The exhaust gas system ensures a highly efficient conversion of harmful substances contained in the exhaust gas, and a particularly positive effect with respect to the regeneration of the particulate trap also occurs.