The VW dual circuit master cylinders have two brake switches in order to use the warning light that is on the speedo. They use 3-prong switches and are wired to light the warning lamp if one of the master cylinder circuits fail. The wiring is a little complicated, but actually a simple electrical circuit that sends power to the speedo warning lamp if one master cylinder hydraulic circuit fails.
However, as @DannyP pointed out, the switches fail frequently. Much more often than the master cylinder in my experience!