Learn Dutch: Ik was erg vervelend in mijn jeugd. - I was very annoying in my youth.

Was is the singular simple past tense of the verb zijn (to be). You use it for ik (I), jij (you), and hij/zij/het (he/she/it). If the sentence was about multiple people, like wij (we), you would use the plural form waren.

Does vervelend mean annoying or boring?

It can mean both depending on the context! When describing a person's behavior, like a child in their youth, it usually means annoying, bothersome, or naughty. If you are talking about a long movie or a repetitive task, it often translates to boring or tedious.

Could I use heel instead of erg to say very?

Yes, absolutely. Both erg and heel mean very and are almost always interchangeable when placed before an adjective. Saying Ik was heel vervelend means exactly the same thing.

Is jeugd the standard word for childhood?

Yes! While jeugd literally translates to youth, the phrase in mijn jeugd is the most common and natural way Dutch speakers say in my childhood or when I was a kid.