Writing implement which lengthens and shortens when actuated

The invention relates to a writing implement comprising a housing, a writing cartridge movably arranged in the housing, and a control unit form moving the writing cartridge between a first position in which the cartridge tip is extended out of the housing for writing, and a second position in which the writing cartridge is retracted within the housing, wherein in the first position the writing implement has an overall length suitable for writing and in the second position the writing implement is shortened. A writing implement comprising a housing (), a writing cartridge () arranged in the housing in a movable manner, and a control unit that displaces the writing cartridge between a first position in which the cartridge tip () protrudes from the housing for writing, and a second position in which the cartridge is retracted into the housing. In the first position the writing implement has a total length suitable for writing, and in the second position the writing implement is contracted. The writing implement exhibits improved handling without major structural modification, so that the writing implement can be brought into the writing position and also extended in a single hand movement. To achieve this the implement is provided with a depressor () which is configured as an extension of the housing and can be actuated to move the writing cartridge between the first and second positions, and which in the first position extends out from the rear end of the housing.