The present subject matter relates to a filter device (10) for filtering a fluid, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a filter housing (12, 14) and a filter element (24, 40) to be coupled thereto, wherein an electrical signal device (64, 66, 68, 70, 72) is provided for detecting the presence of a proper filter element, which is designed as circuit having a specific resistance and comprises an electrical signal transfer unit between the filter housing (12, 14), and the filter element (24, 40) having at least one contact (52, 64, 66), wherein the specific resistance is self determined from the electrical conductive resistance of the at least one electrical contact (52, 64, 66).
