diff --git a/functions.lua b/functions.lua
index ae8356f..ee4f736 100644
--- a/functions.lua
+++ b/functions.lua
@@ -1145,6 +1145,11 @@ local function get_fs_talkdialog(player, n_id, d_id)
 
     -- Now we have a dialog to display to the user
 
+    -- do not crash in case of error
+    if(not(active_dialog)) then
+        minetest.chat_send_player(pname, "Ups! Something went wrong. Please try again.")
+	return
+    end
     local allowed = calculate_displayable_options(pname, active_dialog.d_options)
     yl_speak_up.speak_to[pname].allowed = allowed