diff --git a/contribute.py b/contribute.py
index 0bb6202fdd..5c451ee6f1 100755
--- a/contribute.py
+++ b/contribute.py
@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ def main(def_args=sys.argv[1:]):
     days_after = args.days_after
     if days_after < 0:
         sys.exit('days_after must not be negative')
+    if os.path.exists(directory):
+    	sys.exit(f"Error: Directory '{directory}' already exists. Please remove it or choose a different repository.")
     os.mkdir(directory)
     os.chdir(directory)
     run(['git', 'init', '-b', 'main'])