diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 3d2f4f9c53..f9f6c18c02 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ dnl *** checks for programs ***
 
 dnl find a compiler
 AC_PROG_CC
+AC_PROG_CC_STDC
 
 dnl determine c++ compiler
 AC_PROG_CXX