diff --git a/brian2/devices/cpp_standalone/device.py b/brian2/devices/cpp_standalone/device.py
index 151384080..e785893cd 100644
--- a/brian2/devices/cpp_standalone/device.py
+++ b/brian2/devices/cpp_standalone/device.py
@@ -1555,7 +1555,8 @@ def build(
 
         compiler_obj = ccompiler.new_compiler(compiler=compiler)
         compiler_flags = (
-            ccompiler.gen_preprocess_options(define_macros, include_dirs)
+            [f"-D{k}" if v is None else f"-D{k}={v}" for k, v in define_macros]
+            + [f"-I'{include_dir}'" for include_dir in include_dirs]
             + extra_compile_args
         )
         linker_flags = (