A compact filter element (10, 10′, 10″) is provided with knock protection to protect the filter element against damage, such as may be incurred by tapping or hitting the filter against a hard surface. The filter element includes a filter body (1) having of a wound filter medium and configured for axial flow through its end faces (2). At least at one end face (2) of the filter body (1) a protective collar (3, 3′, 3″) is provided which surrounds an outer circumference and projects past the end face (2).