diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index d266601aeb..bd46b33e85 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ AS_IF([test "x$host_cpu" = "xmips" || test "x$host_cpu" = "xmipsel" ||
 LT_PREREQ(2.2)
 LT_INIT([disable-static])
 
+AS_IF([test "x$enable_static" = "xyes"], [AC_MSG_ERROR([--enable-static is not supported by systemd])])
+
 # i18n stuff for the PolicyKit policy files
 IT_PROG_INTLTOOL([0.40.0])