The system is complex!  I've played around in the tank when replacing a fuel pump.
The pump sits in a sump of fuel and it is above the level of fuel at less than a quarter of a tank. However, fuel remains in the sump-part of the pump assembly which allows the pump to prime. When in operation the pump drives fuel into the tank to either side to drive 2 turbines that send fuel to the fuel rail. That way each side is being fed fuel so they stay the same level
With me so far?
The low pressure return from the fuel rail goes up to the header tank at the fuel cap and cascades back down into the sump that primes the pump.
If the sump dries out then the pump wont prime. Simples! 
__________________
Conan (the Librarian)
Watch it if you dare
Currently,
2000 S8, Merlin Purple, Leather Pack 1, Winter Pack 1, SPAX adjustable suspension, AP Racing 6 pot front caliper, 385mm fully floating disks, EBC Yellow Stuff Pads, Black Diamond grooved rear disks and predetor pads, D2 Doctors Brake Block.
1997 4.2 A8SQ - the Projekt. 12 years and ongoing!
1997 4.2 A8SQ - Ming Blue. Restoration sat waiting; saved from the Scrapyard
2003 C5 Allroad 4.2Q - Cobolt Blue. Towing car. Laid up awaiting manual conversion.
2005 C5 Allroad 2.5TDi FE - Grey - Workhorse.
2015 Q3QS SLine - Daytona Grey. Lots of extras! Long Haired Admirals cutter.
Previously
2003 C5 A6 1.9TDI FWD - Loaner from D2 Doctor Lifex
1997 S8 - Ming Blue. Loaned out and written off. I loved that car. My first engine swap after cambelt failure.
1996 4.2 A8SQ - Ming Blue. 178k on a cambelt! Trader's 8. Delivered to A8Parts at Lifex.
2003 2.8 A8SQ - powder blueish. Fill in for a while. Sold on.
1998 1.8T A4 Avant FWD. Ming Blue (there's a theme here), PEX for the 97 S8.
And a list of non VAG going back 40 years before I saw the light. 
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