2000 Passat having problems in low rpm

Hello,
I just recently started encountering a problem with my 2000 passat. When I am in low gears and going slow, the car starts to stutter and lose power.
When I am in neutral and I press on the gas, the motor feels like it is running roughly.
I am not a car guru and don't know the proper terminology so I hope I explained it ok.
Please ask me any questions you feel might help me to diagnose this problem. Thanks!

Also, to add, it is a manual tran with about 190,000 miles.

First question to ask is any check engine lights?
Franco