The present invention relates to a catalyst for the removal of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon from the exhaust gas of lean-operated internal combustion engines on a supporting body, which bears platinum and/or palladium on one or more refractory carrier materials and also contains cerium oxide and which, after reductive treatment at 250° C. and after CO adsorption, is characterized by certain peaks in Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and also relates to the use thereof for removing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon from the exhaust gas of lean-operated internal combustion engines.