diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/glibc/2.17/common.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/glibc/2.17/common.nix
index 3006ff49013..45d2c6f38e6 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/glibc/2.17/common.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/glibc/2.17/common.nix
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ let
 
 in
 
+assert stdenv.gcc != null;
 assert cross != null -> gccCross != null;
 assert mig != null -> machHeaders != null;
 assert machHeaders != null -> hurdHeaders != null;