1997 VW Jetta won't start

I have a 1997 VW jetta. It wont start.

The battery is good and apprears to be putting out plenty of juice to power everything. We even tried to jump start but it did not turn over.

When we turn the igniftion we do not hear anything - complete silence.

Is this the starter?

Is there a engine fuse that we should check first before we tackle the starter?

Any ideas on what else might be the problem.

thanks!