2000 beetle very hard to brake

I have to step down on the brake very hard to stop.

Does anyone know why? my large vehicles are easier to brake on that this.
I don't know why this is so hard to brake.
It will stop but I have to press down very hard to get it to stop.

Sounds like you brake booster/servo has failed - its located next to the master cylinder....maybe the vacuum hose to it is kinked. You can test if it is the booster by putting your foot firmly on the brake pedal (engine off and handbrake off) then start the engine and the pedal should drop an inch or so....if it doesn't move then it usually means you have no booster or servo power assistance.

yes sounds like it is the booster or servo. there is no drop.

I checked the vaCuum hose connected to the brake booster
it is not connected. I am missing the connecting elbow to the vacuum hose for the brake booster

the brake master cylinder was pretty low. I might have got air in the system. I just refilled it but its still the same.

I think I'll bleed them but there is no drop in the peddle as I hold the brake when I turn the car on.