diff --git a/electrum/gui/qt/__init__.py b/electrum/gui/qt/__init__.py
index 9da968f30..33ecd2920 100644
--- a/electrum/gui/qt/__init__.py
+++ b/electrum/gui/qt/__init__.py
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ class ElectrumGui(PrintError):
 
     @profiler
     def __init__(self, config, daemon, plugins):
-        set_language(config.get('language'))
+        set_language(config.get('language', get_default_language()))
         # Uncomment this call to verify objects are being properly
         # GC-ed when windows are closed
         #network.add_jobs([DebugMem([Abstract_Wallet, SPV, Synchronizer,
diff --git a/electrum/gui/qt/util.py b/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
index 02a736834..b6db61c13 100644
--- a/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
+++ b/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from PyQt5.QtGui import *
 from PyQt5.QtCore import *
 from PyQt5.QtWidgets import *
 
-from electrum.i18n import _
+from electrum.i18n import _, languages
 from electrum.util import FileImportFailed, FileExportFailed
 from electrum.paymentrequest import PR_UNPAID, PR_PAID, PR_EXPIRED
 
@@ -817,6 +817,11 @@ class IconCache:
         return self.__cache[file_name]
 
 
+def get_default_language():
+    name = QLocale.system().name()
+    return name if name in languages else 'en_UK'
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     app = QApplication([])
     t = WaitingDialog(None, 'testing ...', lambda: [time.sleep(1)], lambda x: QMessageBox.information(None, 'done', "done"))