diff --git a/src/list.c b/src/list.c
index d52c23d..933480f 100644
--- a/src/list.c
+++ b/src/list.c
@@ -2735,8 +2735,9 @@
 	else
 	    n = dict_count(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, &argvars[1], ic);
     }
-    else
-	semsg(_(e_argument_of_str_must_be_list_or_dictionary), "count()");
+    else if (!error)
+	semsg(_(e_argument_of_str_must_be_list_string_or_dictionary),
+								    "count()");
     rettv->vval.v_number = n;
 }