Yes, many Germans did know and looked away.... i think that is the point... . @johngalt815 's point may have been better made if making reference to "extermination" camps, rather than just camps. There were labour camps, administrative camps (which many Germans would have known of and is expected in war) and a very small number (possibly only one?) "extermination" camp in Auschwitz which the average German was probably not so aware of ... (and was not in Germany, probably for that reason)
