diff --git a/fet2020/intern/models.py b/fet2020/intern/models.py
index 8ca5e94b..51c47b2c 100644
--- a/fet2020/intern/models.py
+++ b/fet2020/intern/models.py
@@ -164,10 +164,11 @@ class Etherpad(models.Model):
                 params={"length": len(pad_name), "pad_name": pad_name},
             )
 
-    def save(self, *args, **kwargs):
-        self.etherpad_key = create_pad(self.__get_pad_name())
-
-        super().save(*args, **kwargs)
+        self.etherpad_key = create_pad(pad_name)
+        if not self.etherpad_key:
+            raise ValidationError(
+                _(f"Etherpad '{pad_name}' konnte nicht erstellt werden."),
+            )
 
     def __str__(self):
         return self.title