diff --git a/g10/getkey.c b/g10/getkey.c
index 7b1c22bd8..22842fe96 100644
--- a/g10/getkey.c
+++ b/g10/getkey.c
@@ -1203,6 +1203,9 @@ get_pubkey_byname (ctrl_t ctrl, GETKEY_CTX * retctx, PKT_public_key * pk,
   int nodefault = 0;
   int anylocalfirst = 0;
 
+  /* If RETCTX is not NULL, then RET_KDBHD must be NULL.  */
+  log_assert (retctx == NULL || ret_kdbhd == NULL);
+
   if (retctx)
     *retctx = NULL;