diff --git a/src/iotro.rs b/src/iotro.rs
index 683eb10..4f98798 100644
--- a/src/iotro.rs
+++ b/src/iotro.rs
@@ -94,6 +94,12 @@ pub const BRITISH: Language<'static> = Language {
 	questions_feedback: "Questions, Suggestions and Feedback"
 };
 
+impl Default for Language<'static> {
+	fn default() -> Self {
+		GERMAN
+	}
+}
+
 impl FromStr for Language<'static> {
 	type Err = anyhow::Error;
 
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index 1e46727..048fa36 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -154,6 +154,7 @@ struct ProjectLecture {
 	docent: String,
 	#[serde_as(as = "DisplayFromStr")]
 	date: Date,
+	#[serde(default = "Default::default")]
 	#[serde_as(as = "DisplayFromStr")]
 	lang: Language<'static>
 }