diff --git a/lib/gitWorkflow.js b/lib/gitWorkflow.js
index a5838ab3e..f04901008 100644
--- a/lib/gitWorkflow.js
+++ b/lib/gitWorkflow.js
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ const GIT_DIFF_ARGS = [
   '--src-prefix=a/', // force prefix for consistent behaviour
   '--dst-prefix=b/', // force prefix for consistent behaviour
   '--patch', // output a patch that can be applied
+  '--submodule=short', // always use the default short format for submodules
 ]
 const GIT_APPLY_ARGS = ['-v', '--whitespace=nowarn', '--recount', '--unidiff-zero']