In the Federal Republic of Germany, as elsewhere, the recent unemployment crisis has forced politicians, economists, trade unionists, and experts to consider a number of courses of action designed to reduce working time. Included among these alternatives are the following: adopting the 35-hour work week, shortening working life through early retirement, creating more part-time positions, and lengthening annual holidays. Of all the proposals discussed for a long-term solution of the unemployment problem in the Federal Republic of Germany, the adoption of the 35-hour work week would have the most impact. Because of the country's tight financial position, however, this practice probably will not become a reality. Despite the fact that the debate over the relative feasibility of shortening weekly hours will probably become sharper in the next few months, it appears that the practices of job-sharing and part-time work will become increasingly more widespread as more and more house agreements regulating these are drawn up. While the effect of these practices on unemployment are still relatively weak, they could gain in importance over a period of time. (MN)