A sound absorbing element, in one example, includes a first wall area, a second wall area as well as a plurality of spring elements. In this arrangement, the first wall area and the second wall area are arranged so as to be spaced apart by a clear space. In one example, the plurality of spring elements are arranged in the clear space and connect the first wall area and the second wall area to each other. By pre-tensioning the plurality of spring elements to a state in which their spring constant approaches zero, significant decoupling between the first and the second wall areas may occur, with accompanying sound noise reduction.