Dutch-English speakers: how are these names pronounced? Is the "J" an

Question:Grietje.

Marretje.

Margrietje

Aaltye, or Aaltje.

(And I'll take any Dutch/English translations, of course.)

Thank you.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Grietje.

Marretje.

Margrietje

Aaltye, or Aaltje.

(And I'll take any Dutch/English translations, of course.)

Thank you.

Grietje, Marretje ( My Mum's name ) and Margrietje are all Dutch forms of the flower name Margriet ( Dandelion ).
Aaltje or Aaltye are short forms of Alida/Aleida.

The je form is used in dutch often used to mean little.
e.g Hond = Dog Hondje = Little Dog
Originally probably meant as a term of endearment for babies,the je affix however often sticks for the rest of life.

Pronounciation - The R's in dutch are usually harsher, stronger and more rolling than in English and more Scottish like.
A double vowel Aa means a long vowel , as in Aardvark
the J in this case is like the Y as in yes.
the following E is more of an uh sound as in "Duh "
The A in Marretje and Margrietje is a real A, often in certain
English Dialects the A is pronounced as a sort of E.
Don't do it , that's wrong use the A as in Cambodia ( not
Cembodia ).
The G is unpronounceable for native English speakers,
it's a unique Dutch sound, any German or Englishman will
end up with a sort of "k" sound which is all wrong.
It's more throaty than anything in other languages.
the IE in margrietje is like the ea in Sea
Hope this helps.