This article addresses how the literary work of Jorge Luis Borges was received in Germany, focusing on one of his most important stories, “The Library of Babel”. Firstly, specific relevant circumstances are examined to interpret the introduction and establishment of his work in the German publishing market, highlighting the final push given by the Colombian critic Rafael Gutiérrez Girardot. After putting the reception of Borges' work into context, the specific case of “The Library of Babel” is analysed, examining the different translations into German, outlining the characteristics of the story and comparing them to the translation solutions adopted by Karl August Horst, the first voice for the Argentinean writer in German. Finally, some critical comments on his version are briefly made, which is one of the most prevalent among the German-speaking audience.