Traditionally, manuals are not discussed in the lexicographic literature although they are mentioned from time to time. But nobody has ever attempted to give a more comprehensive explanation of why manuals can be considered lexicographic reference works and which consequences this may have for their content, structure and presentation. On the basis of some general reflections on lexicography and manuals, this essays analyses a concrete manual, Håndbog i Nudansk (Manual of Modern Danish), from the perspective of the lexicographic function theory and argues that this manual, in all essential aspects, can be considered a lexicographic tool with its own functions similar to those of traditional dictionaries.