Have a search of the web
Was called the Kaiser Wilhelm Kanal
Now called the Nord Ostsee canal
http://www.kiel-canal.org/english.htm
Not big enough for a uboat eh
Quote:
11-12 March 1941: Tirpitz passes through the Kiel Canal
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Heres the WWI Scharnhorst in the canal

Dorsetshire passing under one of the Kiel Canal bridges during visit in Germany

Seems your friend is wrong
LMAO