diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 2cecedc331..c6841461ae 100755
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -24,7 +24,8 @@ endif ()
 
 project(arangodb)
 
-
+set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 11)
+option(AR_USE_SYSTEM_LIBS "use libraries provided by the system" OFF)
 add_subdirectory(3rdParty)