What does the ABS light mean in a 2000 Beetle?

It will go on sometimes (maybe only once a week) when I am driving, but when the car is stationary for hours, it will go off. Some places I have read that ABS is the airbag system. Other places say it is the anti-lock brake system. Does anyone know what it means, and if it is serious? The car brakes just fine.|||Anti-locking Brake System. I would have it looked at, it could be something with a speed sensor, which you will still have good brake, but in a emergency you might not. The ABS is computer controlled so every time you turn you key on it does a self diagnostic test and will turn the light on or off as needed. Do you hear any kind of bearing noise in the front end? I think the speed sensor for the ABS is in the front wheel bearing, if you wheel bearins is going out it could cause the ABS light to come on. Have it looked at.|||wow i read all the answers you got so far....unbelievable.....ok the abs system runs along with the braking system....your car may brake fine and won't be affected by the presence of the abs light....the ONLY way to find out what the problem is, is to have it scanned, this will pinpoint the problem..usually its an electrical problem...wheel speed sensor...ground...ect.....take it to a qualified mechanic and have it scanned and make the necessary repairs....if you want let me know what they say and i see if i can help....|||it abs is the anti lock brake system it just means you have them and the light is prolly messed up|||As others have said, it is your anti lock brake system. From experience with my wife's 2000 beetle, I would bet it is a sensor issue. We got rid of it because we were changing different sensors at least every six months after the car turned two years old. I would take it into the dealer or at least have it scanned for free at an auto parts dealer. Best of luck.|||You need to get them checked. It might not be anything but a faulty sensor but then you don't need to take that chance if it really is something wrong with the ABS system.