Learn Dutch: Meneer, u bent de arts. - Sir, you are the doctor.

Because the speaker is addressing a meneer (sir), which sets a formal tone. In Dutch, we use the formal pronoun u to show respect to strangers, authority figures, or older adults.

Does the formal u take the same verb form as the informal jij?

For the irregular verb zijn (to be), yes! Both use bent (jij bent and u bent). For most regular verbs, however, u takes the same form as hij or zij (he or she), which usually ends in a -t.

Is there a difference between arts and dokter?

They both mean doctor and are used almost interchangeably. Arts is the official name of the profession (similar to physician in English), while dokter is the everyday word you would use when talking directly to a doctor.

Does the word meneer mean sir or mister?

It means both! When used on its own to address someone, like in this sentence, meneer translates to sir. When placed before a family name, like meneer Jansen, it means Mr. Jansen.