An electromagnetic friction disk clutch for use in vehicles is described, which permits a significant saving in energy over known clutches. For this purpose, the clutch according to the invention is embodied in such a way that an electromagnet is loaded with a raised strength of current only to change over between the clutch states of the engaged state and the disengaged state. While the clutch remains in these states up to the next shifting process, the supply of current to the solenoid can be greatly reduced or even switched off.