diff --git a/workspace.cpp b/workspace.cpp
--- a/workspace.cpp
+++ b/workspace.cpp
@@ -194,11 +194,15 @@
         storeSession(name, SMSavePhase2);
     });
 
-    new DBusInterface(this);
+    if (!qEnvironmentVariableIntValue("KWIN_DISABLE_SHORTCUTS")) {
+        new DBusInterface(this);
+    }
 
     Outline::create(this);
 
-    initShortcuts();
+    if (!qEnvironmentVariableIntValue("KWIN_DISABLE_SHORTCUTS")) {
+        initShortcuts();
+    }
 
     init();
 }