diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index 8375f87adc..4085cf340b 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -199,6 +199,9 @@ subprojects { project ->
     apply plugin: "org.gradle.test-retry"
 
     java {
+        toolchain {
+            languageVersion = JavaLanguageVersion.of(11)
+        }
         withJavadocJar()
         withSourcesJar()
     }
@@ -268,9 +271,6 @@ subprojects { project ->
 
     if (project.name in ['grails-bom', 'grails-dependencies']) return
 
-    sourceCompatibility = 11
-    targetCompatibility = 11
-
     jar {
         manifest.mainAttributes(
             "Built-By": System.properties['user.name'],