diff --git a/tools/Makefile b/tools/Makefile
index 430b6d58414..6fe4066a4a4 100755
--- a/tools/Makefile
+++ b/tools/Makefile
@@ -121,9 +121,8 @@ defines += ${RV_ROOT}/design/include/el2_def.sv
 defines += $(BUILD_DIR)/el2_pdef.vh
 includes = -I${BUILD_DIR}
 
-# CFLAGS for verilator generated Makefiles. Without -std=c++11 it
-# complains for `auto` variables
-CFLAGS += -std=c++11
+# Verilator supports only C++14 and newer
+CFLAGS += -std=c++14
 
 # Optimization for better performance; alternative is nothing for
 # slower runtime (faster compiles) -O2 for faster runtime (slower