diff --git a/src/bornhack/environment_settings.py.dist b/src/bornhack/environment_settings.py.dist
index c25259de..209003eb 100644
--- a/src/bornhack/environment_settings.py.dist
+++ b/src/bornhack/environment_settings.py.dist
@@ -15,6 +15,8 @@ DATABASES = {
     },
 }
 
+DEBUG={{ django_debug }}
+
 ### changes below here are only needed for production
 
 # email settings