diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index aeee8dbbe..51a135b62 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ lint: lint-frontend lint-backend;
 
 .PHONY: test
 # HELP: test frontend, backend, and check internationalization
-test: test-frontend test-backend i18n-check;
+test: start-database test-frontend test-backend i18n-check;
 
 ##### UNIFIED FRONTEND/BACKEND TARGETS #####
 ############################################