diff --git a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/sysklogd/default.nix b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/sysklogd/default.nix
index fd1d932990eb..c1cf77e63c8e 100644
--- a/pkgs/os-specific/linux/sysklogd/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/os-specific/linux/sysklogd/default.nix
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation {
 
   patches = [ ./systemd.patch ];
 
+  NIX_CFLAGS_COMPILE = "-DSYSV";
+
   installFlags = "BINDIR=$(out)/sbin MANDIR=$(out)/share/man INSTALL=install";
 
   preConfigure =